Spiritual Warfare: Are You Ready?

Spiritual Warfare: Are You Ready?

1 Samuel 17:40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.

2 Samuel 21:15-22 David’s mighty men slay the other four giants of Gath.

Most of us who have been in church any length of time know the story of David and Goliath. A young shepherd boy about the age of a middle schooler with no military training takes on and defeats a grown man who is the best warrior in the enemy’s army. The story gives us courage on how we can do great things for God because God is with us. But how often have you taken a closer look at the story? You see, there is more to it than just this one battle.

In 1 Samuel 17:40 David stops and picks up 5 smooth stones for the battle. Now I always wondered, “Why five.? Why not just 1 or 2 or maybe 10? For me, as I look at it through my eyes, God says he is with me so I only need 1 stone... Well maybe 2 in case I miss with the first one, or simply as good measure. The other part of me thinks I need 10 or 20 or even 30 - as many stones as I can find because I plan to keep slinging until the giant isn’t moving. But David takes 5. So again, why 5? Well in 2 Samuel 21:15-22 we find out there were actually five giants of Gath, with Goliath being one of them. David’s mighty men end up slaying the other four in battle but it made me realize something - David did not need 5 stones to kill Goliath; he needed 1, and those other 4 stones were left in the pouch. There was 1 for each of the other giants of Gath. David did not go out planning to take down 1 giant, but 5!

We, as believers, need to have the same mentality, especially when it comes to Spiritual Warfare. We need to be prepared to fight all the battles God has set before us, not just the immediate one. The good news is that sometimes God works things out so that he fights battles for us, but we still have to be ready. Could you imagine if David defeated Goliath and then Ishbi-benob, Saph, Goliath’s brother, or the 24 digit giant would have went after David while he was not ready? The story could have been a lot different. Instead, David was prepared, and we should be too.

So today take up the full armor of God and be ready to battle.