Teenagers in the Bible (Part 3)

Wednesday night we finished our series studying teenagers in the Bible. Our last teenager was David and we read about his battle with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-58. We learned from David that as teenagers we can make a huge impact for God. Here are three specific things we noticed...

1. David was doing his job as a shepherd.
Being a shepherd was not exactly a lucrative job. It required you to be outside constantly (in all kinds of weather) and as far as showers, well, maybe if a stream was nearby. This was the job David held. Oh, and we must not forget that in chapter 16 he was informed that he was to be the next king of Israel. I gotta say that if I knew I was the king-in-waiting, I don't think I'd have continued my job as shepherd. I would have found someone else to do the job. David, however, continued on in the job he was called to. Not once do you see him complain about being a shepherd. He knew big things were ahead and yet was faithful in carrying on his current task to completion. Do you and I ever look ahead to something coming down the road? By doing so are we neglecting the place God has us right now?

2. David wouldn't wear armor that wasn't made for him; he stuck to his strengths.
David makes it out to the battlefield in time to hear Goliath taunt the Israelites. Even though everyone is scared, David decides to take care of the giant. When King Saul learns of his plan he offers David his armor and sword. David was not a military man; he was just a shepherd boy. After putting on the armor he realized it would not work. David was not a traditional warrior. He was, however, skilled in using a slingshot. Whether he used it to protect the sheep or picked it up as a hobby to fight off boredom in the pastures we'll never know. The bottom line is God gave him a talent and he allowed God to use that talent to take down mighty Goliath. Has God given you any talents/skills/abilities/gifts? Are you using them anywhere in your life? Are you allowing God to do awesome things through those? Are you seeking to be someone you are not?

3. David didn't run away scared when times got tough.
Goliath constantly came out to taunt the Israelites. Whenever he did the Israelites would run away scared. David didn't do that. It wasn't that David trusted his armor (he didn't wear any). It wasn't that David trusted a sword (he didn't carry one). It wasn't even that David trusted his sling. He knew that God would provide everything he needed to defeat Goliath. There are times in our lives when God will ask us to do something that is a bit scary to us. What will our response be when that time comes? Will we run away in fear? Will we seek an easier path to take? Or will we trust God when he calls us to make a big impact in his Kingdom?