The Perfect Mixture for Life

I was talking with a young man the other day and he was telling me that he did not feel competent to accomplish this task that he felt called to do. He volunteered for this assignment and now was having second thoughts. He wanted to know what to do. As we talked I began thinking about little David, the shepherd boy and began talking about that incredible story. David had brothers in Israel’s army which was facing the Philistines. On one occasion as he was taking supplies to his brothers he heard the challenge of the Philistine giant, Goliath. When no one in Israel volunteered, David did.

King Saul, who was “head and shoulders” above everyone in Israel, even refused to go fight this giant. When David volunteered, Saul offered David his armor. As David put that armor on, it was soon apparent that the armor was too bulky and weighty for David. David realized that he could not fight Goliath with all that armor so he gave it back to King Saul. David decided to fight Goliath with the skills he had. I told this young man that I believe that this young man that I believe that this young boy showed a lot of adult smarts and clear thinking when he decided to use what God had given him to fight his battle.

I asked the young man what his talents were. What skills had God blesses him with? As we talked, he shared some of the things hat he knew he was skilled in.

I guess that is a question that everyone of us must ask. What are the skills and gifts that God has given to us? David had used a slingshot most of his life. He was not trained with Saul’s equipment. Have you ever tried to accomplish a specific task with skills that you were never trained in? I am a form believer that God has blessed each of us with skills and talents that are unique to life. And God calls us to use our skills and talents and try not to wear “Saul’s” (someone else’s) armor.

I then proceeded to tell this young man that there was another weapon that David used that would be equally helpful to helping him overcome his “giant.” The other piece of equipment that David had and that we all need is “Faith.” All of our skills and talents must be mixed with faith. Here is a secret: skills and talents alone are not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when we blend both (skills and faith) that God releases His power and we physically see the outcome in our life.

I know there have been times in my life when I would admire and then try to copy someone else’s life. And the temptation is always there to “wear Saul’s armor.” And in those times that I try that, I find out that is a huge mistake. We need to let God work in us, using our talents and skills. Paul said, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Christ in ME. Not Christ in me using someone else’s skills. But Christin me, using my skills. Then we can honestly say, that God will get the glory because it was His using MY (God-given) skills.

So the challenge I gave to that young man is the same challenge I conclude this with: mix your skills with your faith in God and I know that you will be amazed at what God’s power can do in your life as you face your giants.