“He gave his own armour to David for him to wear: a bronze helmet, which he put on David’s head, and a coat of armour. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armour and tried to walk, but he couldn’t, because he wasn’t used to wearing them. “I can’t fight with all this,” he said to Saul.” – 1 Samuel 17: 38-51

David vs Goliath is one of the greatest events that is used teach the point of overcoming great odds. When this story is referenced, most focus on the event of David slinging his stone and killing the great giant. However, recently when reading this story, the events leading up to the battle hit me in a new way.

First, David was sent to the battle to take food to his brothers; his original mindset was to serve and bring value in any way possible. When he arrived his brothers questioned his presence, mocked him, and told him to go back to tending the sheep. David gave them the food and supported them anyway…. I am sure that those words hurt David and made him feel very insignificant. However, he did not pout and completed the task his father sent him to do…

Second, when David heard Goliath defying God and threatening his people… David was motivated with a new purpose and decided to get permission from King Saul to fight the giant. Once again, David was made to feel insignificant and not worthy for the situation. Saul in my opinion, put his armour on David to prove a point and make fun of David. Unless Saul was blind, he could see that David was too small for his armour and it would weigh him down. I can imagine the smirk on his face and the amusement he got from watching David try to move. I can also imagine how ridiculous and lowly David must have felt as people watched him and laughed. When David left his tent, I am sure that Saul thought he had made his point and he would never see that ridiculous little boy again. Until David showed back up with 5 smooth stones….

I have learned over my career, that a dream is not big enough unless some doubt is present. That great opposition is the first sign of a great opportunity. That often people would rather mock you than to move into action. That popular opinion cannot overpower a person with purpose. That the first steps toward greatness often come serving in the smallest and simplest way. That we will have to overcome mental odds before we can overcome physical odds. That it is never the wrong time to do the right thing. That when the father gives us a task, he often shows us our purpose. That all it takes for evil to exist is for good people to do nothing. That you are the right person for the right situation. That you should never forget…

You Are Born To Be Special