When I was a young teenager, I had a great hunger to see people come to know Jesus. One day, I heard about a ministry called Child Evangelism. In this ministry, I would go from town to town all summer long and hold evangelistic meetings for children. I didn't love to minister to kids, but the thought of standing in front of groups and talking about Jesus excited me. I just HAD to do it.
As I found out more about the ministry, I discovered that part of my "job" would be to get up in front of the entire church at the end of the week and share the results of the meetings. I was shy, but I thought, "OK, well, I can do this."
Then, I told my mother about it. She was much less enthusiastic. She said, "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" I just stared at her for a minute in shock.
Then, something rose up inside of me. It was a determination that I didn't even understand at the time, and I answered,"Yes, I can."
I don't think that my mother meant to discourage me, but she simply did not believe that I would be able to speak in front of entire churches. In fact, she was trying to protect me.
I discovered something in that moment. When those that are closest to me do not believe in me, I could reach into the heart of the One who always believes in me and find my validation there.
David understood lacking validation from those close to him. His father did not think enough of him to invite him to the meeting with the prophet.
His brothers accused him of wrong motives when he offered to fight Goliath. And then, there was King Saul. King Saul told him he was too young to fight Goliath. Then, he gave David his armor, because after all, nothing David had would be good enough. Even the giant did not take him seriously. Now, that's bad.
However, David, was not listening to the voice of those around him. He was listening to another voice- the voice of Almighty God. At that moment, he dug down deep into his relationship with God. Wasn't God strong enough to overcome that giant? Hadn't God already proven to him that His power was greater than lions and bears?
Instead of comparing himself to Saul, David took the skill that God had already given him- a sling shot - and he went out there with his confidence placed squarely in his God.
Goliath should not have been so cocky. Down he went, and David used his own sword to cut off his head.
It's time to stop looking for affirmation from others, take what God has given you, and go after those giants that are terrorizing those around you. You have unique giftings and characteristics that are perfect for what God has called you to do.
When someone tries to tell you that you can't do something, just square your shoulders, look them in the eyes, and say, "Through my God, I can, and I will."
Sherry Evans