Gospel Reflections #938: The very time God boldly works within us

1 Samuel 17:38 ^"Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head."

This depicts the scene just before the young David faced the giant Goliath, where King Saul lent him his own armour.

The armour Saul provided symbolised the pinnacle of military might (physical strength and human means) in Israel at that time.

However, this preparation, relying on 'human wisdom', stood in stark contrast to David's faith, which depended on God's strength. 

In the following verse 39, David discards these items, stating, "I cannot walk with them, for I am not accustomed to them."

This suggests that another's successful experience or the common approach (Saul's armour) does not necessarily align with the divine mission given to oneself. 

Saul's armour, belonging to the tallest man in Israel, could never fit the young David. This scene visually highlights Saul's "unbelief and fear" against David's "faith and courage".

Saul trusted in his own armour, but David trusted in his God.

Do we trust in God like David?

While claiming to trust God, are we not relying on our own methods or circumstances?

God provides us with everything necessary to fulfil His calling upon us.

Whether we move forward trusting this provision or try to make ends meet by our own strength may depend on the maturity of our faith.

Yet, when we acknowledge our utter inability to accomplish anything by ourselves, God boldly works within us to redirect our course.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.