Walking in God's PurposeSample

Using Your Stones

When I was a boy, my father bought a catapult for hunting birds. It was useless, unless you had the expertise and experience to use it. I loved my dad’s catapult, but unfortunately, I couldn’t use it. I hadn’t trained myself to do so.

David had a similar tool to that catapult, but he didn’t start using his sling and stones on the day he confronted Goliath. He’d been using them for a long time, developing his skills and training himself so that he could defend his father’s sheep.

It’s fascinating to note that David was offered Saul’s coat of armour and helmet, but declined. They were too big, too heavy. They would’ve rendered him ineffective against Goliath. He understood that God had prepared him to use his sling, and he stuck with that (1 Samuel 17:38–40).

At university, I was passionate about making gospel movies. I desperately wanted cutting-edge equipment to make this dream a reality. I told my father I wanted to go to a film school in New York. He told me he didn’t have the funds for that. He reminded me that the reason I should be wanting to make films was to bless people, not show off my skills, and then he advised me to train myself with the tools I had in my hands. All I had in my hands was an old phone. I asked God to train me and quickly learned that the Holy Spirit is the greatest teacher imaginable. I started using my mobile phone to shoot short films. I posted them on YouTube and they blessed many people. I didn’t stop there. I kept making more movies with my limited, unprofessional tools until I mastered the art of using them.

This principle plays out in David’s life. He wasn’t exposed to swords or weapons of war. He was used to his unprofessional sling and stones, and he had mastered the art of using them professionally.

It’s good to start small as we walk in the purpose of God for our lives. Don’t rush your process of training. Don’t rush to use swords when God is still training you with stones. David wisely refused Saul’s armour and sword, instead choosing five stones. It must’ve seemed foolish to the people around him, but it seems David understood that not all opportunities or open doors are from God. David also understood the principle of growth. He knew it wasn’t time for the sword – that would come later. He chose instead what suited his level of preparation: stones.

David’s stones may have been crude, unconventional weapons, but the outcome they produced was glorious because he made use of the resources in his hands. God is calling you to do the same.