Conference Minister Corner | Rev. Gordon Rankin

When we think on the story of David and Goliath, we tend to jump directly to the ultimate outcome. David defeats Goliath. We are inspired by the little guy triumphing over the giant. Yet, this story is quite detailed and this week I’d like to draw your attention to another part of it.

There is the wonderful exchange in the middle of story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) after King Saul has relented to let David go and face Goliath. King Saul dresses David up in his own armor for the battle. David, clothed in Saul’s armor, wearing a bronze helmet and with a sword wrapped around his waist, tries to walk around. He can hardly move. David says to Saul, “this isn’t going to work”. So, he takes off all of Saul’s armaments. Instead, he takes with him his staff, a few stones and his slingshot – the tools he is used to as a shepherd.

I find this story such a wonderful reminder that those God given things that make us who we are just so happen to be the very things that God wants us to take with us into our ministries. We don’t need to be dressed up like anyone one else. We need to be us. God has equipped us with the tools we need for the battles we face.

In this post-pandemic era, we are certainly living in stressful days. One of things that can happen in such time of stress is that we start judging those who are partners with us if they don’t respond as we would do. The interactions between David and King Saul remind us that this too is folly. David probably would have never even made it to the front-line wearing Saul’s armor, never mind been able to defeat Goliath. Just as we ourselves are, those who partner with us are already dressed in what they need. It is when we celebrate and value what each of us bring to ministry and justice-making that we are our most formidable.

So, friends, go as you are. God has already clothed and equipped you for the living of these days.