40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:40)
You didn’t have to grow up in church to hear the story of David and Goliath. It’s a classic good triumphs over evil story as a young shepherd boy defeats a powerful giant. For the people of faith, however, it is much more. It’s a powerful reminder that God works with us to defeat the giants in our life when we put our hope and trust in God. Whenever you face a giant, you do what David did turning to God for the strength and courage to face your circumstances knowing that with God to victory is secure! But have you ever looked into the details of the story? Have you ever wondered why David brought five stones into battle with him? There is more than one answer to the question, I’m sure, but Christian author Max Lucado has outlined five questions to remind us how to face the giants in your life. He even says you can use your five fingers to remind you of the answer.
Look down at your thumb… and remember.
The first stone is the Stone of the Past. David remembered that God had protected him in the past. God was with him in the field everyday as he watched over the flock. When the lion or the bear came, God gave him the strength he needed to defeat the enemy. David knew if God did it once, God would do it again, no matter how big the adversary. Keep up the Stone of the Past, and remember how God has defeated the enemies in your life.
Next is the index finger, to remind you that when you travel through the valleys of life you need the Stone of Prayer. The scripture is filled with stories of those closest to God who relied on the power of prayer in difficult times. Whenever Jesus was facing a struggle, he prayed. He prayed at the temptation in the wilderness, he prayed in the garden before his arrest and he prayed on the cross. Prayer provided the strength to overcome, even to overcome sin and death.
The tallest finger helps us remember our top priority. Remember the Stone of Priority. Paul wrote, when God is for you who can be against you? You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:31 ff.) With God’s power in your life all things are worked out for the glory of God. God can take your greatest challenges, your defeats, your failures and your struggles and turn them into victories.
Your ring finger holds the things that you are most passionate about. Maybe it’s a ring with your birthstone symbolizing the gift of life. A class ring might represent the friends and experiences you had in school. An engagement ring or wedding ring reminds you of the passion you have for another. Let you ring finger symbolize the Stone of Passion. David was just a boy, but he faced the enemy with great passion. While others ran away from the giant, David charged forward. He met the enemy head on and unafraid because he was filled with passion for God.
Finally, there’s the Stone of Persistence. David knew he would need more than one rock because he knew that Goliath had four other brothers. Once Goliath was defeated, David understood his brothers would come after him looking for revenge. David was ready just in case. Learn from David’s example and be ready. Never give up. Never quit. Be ready for the next attack, the next challenge and keep a stone in your sling.
Remember and carry your five stones of Past, Prayer, Priority, Passion and Persistence and no giant will ever be able to defeat you!
* Adapted from the writings of Max Lucado
Spirit and Truth 