Day 30 | Haven’t You Grown!

Reflection

Over the course of your life, you have acquired many skills. There was a time when you couldn’t feed yourself, dress yourself, or even play Scrabble. And now look at you!

Beyond the basics of self-care, you’ve learned so much. The fact you’re reading this proves that you have decent reading skills. You’ve also learned how to read people and negotiate complex social environments. You’ve probably developed work-related skills too. The more competent you’ve become at these things, the more confident you’ve become at them.

This passage is from the familiar story of David and Goliath. 3,000 years ago, young David was delivering supplies to his brothers who were in Israel’s army, which was going to battle against the neighbouring Philistines. The giant Philistine warrior Goliath mocked Israel’s army and challenged any of them to fight him. David was furious, so he went to the king to offer to fight him himself – with no battle experience.

In his conversation with King Saul, David explains why he’s confident that he’s the right man (or boy) for the job. The skills he learned working as a shepherd make him competent to prevail against the towering hulk on the other side of the valley. He recognised that where God had placed him, God had prepared him.

And note how his confidence is still God-focused. Yes, David has been successful fighting wild animals, but ultimately, he sees this success as coming from the Lord: ‘The Lord who delivered me….’

What has God taught you from what you’ve learned throughout your life, the work you’ve done, and the battles you’ve fought? How might all of that equip you for the challenges God has for you today?

Responding in prayer

Wise and loving God, thank you so much for all that You have taught me throughout my life. Thank you for the people, the experiences, and even the adversities that have made me who I am today. Please take all I’ve learned and help me to use it, with humility and confidence, to do the work You have for me to do this day.