The Right Shoes for the Journey: The Right Fit

In any race, the right equipment is crucial to your success. Imagine being given shoes that don’t fit properly, hindering your ability to run and jump with precision. The wrong shoes would become a stumbling block, causing you to trip and fall, ultimately losing the race. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right tools for success. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to perform at your best, pushing yourself to achieve greatness and come out on top. Don’t let ill-fitting shoes hold you back. 

I bet that is how young David felt when given King Saul’s armor to fight Goliath. 

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.’I cannot go in these,’ he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them.’ So he took them off.” (1 Samuel 17:38-39)

David was a young lad. When the Bible describes Saul, it says he stood head and shoulders above the people. Saul’s armor didn’t fit David. It probably looked like a toddler trying to wear his Dad’s shirt. Even if it had worked, David had never worn armor before. He wasn’t a soldier—he was a simple shepherd boy.   

David opted to use the humble weaponry of a shepherd—a staff and a sling. We know what happened from there.   David had no problem telling King Saul what worked for him.   As a matter of fact, early in the chapter, he tells King Saul how he killed the lion and bear that attempted to attack his father’s sheep.   We know how the story of David and Goliath ends.

What works? Prayer, fasting, studying the Bible, consistency, and seeking God in everything you do.  Simplicity and consistency work. Sometimes, people will attempt to give you new tools to run the Christian race of life. But maybe those tools do not work for you. Sometimes, you have to use the tools that have been proven. When I mention tools, I refer to the actions that have contributed to your spiritual growth and success in your relationship with God. The Christian world is constantly changing; some changes may have positive effects, while others may not. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a personal relationship with God and discern what works for you.

As I read I Samuel 17,  it is clear David obviously loved the Yahweh from a young age. So much so that he was willing to defend his God when others much older than he shuttered in fear. Even King Saul was afraid. For forty days, morning and evening, Goliath was taunting Israel, demanding that someone come out to fight. Israel would fear. When the young shepherd boy arrives on the scene, he asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that should defy the armies of the living God?”  He took his stand, and he knew what needed to be done. It was not for self-glory or to prove his strength and capability. It was for the honor and glory of His God. Again, this is a sign of exemplary character and motives. 

David defeated Goliath, armed only with a staff, five smooth stones, a sling, and the power of Yahweh. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”  (I Samuel 17:45) 

You can conquer any challenge with determination and the right tools, just as you cannot run through the scorching desert with sandals.  A right relationship with God causes an individual to triumph over the adversities and challenges in life.  I wrote- the right tools.  The right tools empowered by a great God are what win the battle.   Secondly, David was humble; it was not for vain glory.  I. Samuel 17:47, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”   

I often question whether the “look at me and what I am doing” culture has infiltrated the church. Some actions seem motivated by selfish desires rather than the intent to glorify God. I wonder if our motives often hinder God from performing miracles in our lives. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our accomplishments, we should strive to be humble servants like David, who loved God and was used mightily by Him.

David didn’t criticize everything that was going on around him. Instead, he focused on doing what he knew was right and moved forward. As I have mentioned in my blogs several times, sometimes it’s important to put your blinders on, ignore distractions, and focus on executing your purpose.  David could have focused on the following issues:

• I am a teenager, and I am not afraid of this giant. Why is everyone afraid of this Goliath?
• Why is the King and his army afraid? Do they understand that a great God backs them?  
• David’s oldest brother, Eliab, had issues with him. He was likely jealous of David. “Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”  (I Samuel 17:28)  I deliberately used the King James Version because I wanted to highlight that David’s character was the very opposite of what his oldest brother accused him of - being proud.

Despite all this, David would go to King Saul and encourage him, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”  David does not get distracted by his brother’s comments.  He did not judge the actions of the current leadership.  He knew his purpose and assignment at that moment and advanced. 

It is a life lesson that I have learned to embrace.  When you see things, pray for the situation to become what God has intended.  Remember that God is always in control, and do not lose sight of your purpose in life, even when faced with discouragement. Just as David overcame the intentional and calculated negative actions of King Saul, you too can overcome the challenges thrown your way. By learning to love unconditionally the way God loves, you honor Him in your life. This means loving others despite their actions and motivations of the heart. With God’s guidance, you can rise above any situation and find strength in His love and purpose for your life. 

Where is your focus?  “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrew 12:2). If we focus on Jesus, we will continue to run the Christian race with grace.  Just make sure you are wearing the right shoes (smile).

“And having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].” (Ephesians 6:15 Amplified Bible)  A reference to the Roman soldiers’ shoes studded with hobnails to give them stability on the battlefield.