You’ve probably heard the story of David and Goliath. David is a scrawny teenager who decides to slay a giant in a war he wasn’t old enough to fight in. The King at the time, Saul, tries to protect David by at least giving him some armor to wear. Notice what happens:
"Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off." - 1 Samuel 17:38-39, NIV Take a moment to imagine David as he straps on all that heavy gear and it weighs his awkward teenage body down. The metal clangs around, his feet shuffle under the weight, and he can’t quite see out of the helmet on his head. So what does he do? He takes it off. As I've been studying about David’s life for work, I’m realizing just how much we have to learn from this moment! How often do we put on other people’s armor and pray it does the trick for us?
We ride the coattails of someone else’s faith instead of developing our own relationship with Jesus. We crumble under the weight of heavy labels society has placed upon our shoulders instead of living out the truth of who God says we are. We hope what our pastor says is enough to get us through instead of developing any Bible study tools of our own.
Just like David, we’re walking into the battlefields of our lives weighted down by what doesn’t actually work for us. So, what should we do? Take it off! Any kind of protection from evil that may come your way is great. However, it may not all work for you and you have to get involved enough in your fight to find out. In this season of thankfulness, I totally get that it’s hard to be grateful for the fight. We are tired, God. Whatever the lesson is in this hardship, we’re done learning it and are ready to move on, amen? But, here’s what I’m learning: When you focus on the giant, it seems insurmountable. When you zero in on being grateful for all the ways God has equipped you, you realize you can stay in the fight. Moment by moment, stone by stone, thankfulness gives way to hope and eventually victory. If you aren’t sure what spiritual weapons you have access to, here are a few examples for every Christ follower:
God may have equipped you with other unique weapons as a result of a fight you’ve already won. Did you learn coping mechanisms in an earlier season of anxiety or depression? Are you a mother and know how to nurture someone in need? Did a previous job or volunteer role teach you anything that may help you overcome your situation now? David defeated Goliath with just a slingshot and some stones. What about you, Warrior? What has God placed in your hand? Hold it. Wield it. Thank God for it.
Think about it:
Our Prayer:
Lord, This Thanksgiving Day we chose to praise you, no matter what. Whether we are battle weary or standing on a victory, we take this moment to look at how you have uniquely equipped us for the fight. We are able to celebrate from the victory we have in Christ. Thank you for going before us as we face every giant and being the greater David, our great Defender. In Jesus mighty name, Amen 
This blog was written by Kaley Rivera Thompson. She is the owner of this blog, an author, worship leader and speaker. She's always down for a cup of coffee or a good hike. You can find out more about her on this website www.kriverathompson.com or on her instagram, @kriverathompson.
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