The book of 1 Samuel tells us a story about David, a man who was after God’s heart.

He went to the camp of the Israelites at battle and said to Saul, “your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:32b, CSB).

Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine” (v. 33).

It’s a no from the king, and I think of it as a no from God, too.

David didn’t.

He said that he cared for his father’s sheep, but how does that help him fight a 9ft. 9in. champion or “man of the in-between”?

If a no can’t stop him, a nine-foot giant can.

What is scarier than someone taller, stronger, and more experienced than me?

This is not a fight at all. It’s a first round knockout.

I want God to use me, but not here. I don’t want to step into the cage.

Sure, I have a good record. Some wins and some losses.

Some I strike and some I rescue (v. 34b-35a).

Some I kill, like David (v. 35b-36).

Unlike David, this is no lion or bear, this is Goliath.

But it still didn’t stop him.

He said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (v. 37a).

This is what I missed.

It’s not the punches God helps me land, but the ones he helps me dodge.

Goliath can throw and throw and will lose, because he is not God.

He is a champion to his gods, not mine, and all the world will know it (v. 46b).

God can use me when I don’t want to be used.

He can fight when I don’t want to win and win when I don’t want to fight.

That’s a cage I want to step into.

I will know it when I hear “Go, and may the Lord be with you” (v. 37b).

I hope that you go and know that he is with you.

God, will you give me a heart that is after you, a heart like David. I want you to use me. I want to go and fight for you even when I’m scared. I know that you are with me and that you will win.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Until next week — Aiden

P.S. Hit reply, I read every email.