The Great Provider

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.
1st Samuel 17:40 NLT

You know the story. The whole of Israel's army would not volunteer to fight Goliath - including King Saul - who (according to 1st Samuel 9) stood head and shoulders above any man in Israel. But David, a teenaged shepherd boy armed only with his shepherd staff and a sling and 5 smooth stones, faced Goliath a giant of Gath. Why 5?

There's a lot of conjecture about why a certain number of stones and none of them proven or specifically spelled out. The two that make the most sense to me are 5 being the number to represent grace and that there were 4 other giants related to Goliath for a total of 5 giants. 

Let's face it - to defeat Goliath would require the unparalleled grace of God for any one fully grown soldier, let alone a teenaged boy untried in military battle. However, truly David walked in faith and favor and God's grace. That we DO know. We also know that later when David was king, he and his warriors killed the remaining 4 giants. He didn't do it again with a sling and a stone but to me, it seems as though God was already making the promise of provision for victory from the beginning.

God's provision is clear through every situation. He calls us to it, then gives us what we need in order to accomplish what He has called us to do, and then He sends us to do it. What excuse can we possibly use when He has made every provision for victory from the beginning?

Prayer:

Father, 

           Forgive us for thinking we have ever accomplished anything good in our own power and might. Everything - EVERYTHING is by Your Spirit working in us. Thank You for the plans and provision You have made for our lives. We want to fulfill Your plan and purpose for us. Help us, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen