By Anita Wamble

Day Three: Use What God Has Given You

Before David went out to face Goliath, Saul dressed him in his own armor. He put a bronze helmet on David’s head and gave him a sword. From a soldier’s perspective, that probably seemed like a sensible thing to do.

But David tried walking in the equipment and realized it did not work for him. He had not used it before. So, he took it off.

David understood something we sometimes forget: someone else’s equipment may not fit our assignment.

Saul’s armor was familiar to Saul. David’s sling was familiar to David. David chose the tools he knew how to use and trusted God with the battle ahead.

How often do we make an assignment harder because we think we must do it exactly the way someone else does?

We compare our gifts, our voices, our resources, and our experiences. Then we convince ourselves we cannot begin until we have everything they have.

But God knows whom He called.

He knows your abilities and where you still need to grow. He knows the experiences that have prepared you. You can learn from others and receive their counsel without trying to become a copy of them.

Use what God has placed in your hands. Develop it. Be faithful with it. Trust Him to provide what you need as you follow His direction.

And do not miss another lesson from David: he moved!

When Goliath advanced, David ran toward the battle. He did not stand there, giving fear more time to shape his decision.

Sometimes, we keep postponing what we already know we should do. We call it waiting, but we stopped preparing, stopped praying about the next step, and started making excuses.

Once God’s direction is clear, respond with obedience. The first step may be a phone call, an application, a conversation, or an offer to serve. Take it.

You have history with God. You can draw courage from His faithfulness. You have gifts and experiences He can use.

Go with what you know—and do what He has asked you to do!

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:38–40, 48–50; 1 Peter 4:10; James 4:17.