# 070 02/26/01 Inadequacies are overcome when in God’s will

All children love the story of David and Goliath. Even the youngest children are thrilled to see the smaller, unarmored David win over the giant in full armor. The story makes them realize that they do not need to be intimidated by the playground bully.

The story of David has always been used to teach children that having God on our side is more powerful than size or weapons. We can also use the story to teach our children that if God wants us to do something, we need not worry about our shortcomings. Moses and Abraham both protested when God called them. Moses told God that he was “slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10) and Abraham said that he and his wife were too old to have a child (Genesis 17:17-18).

David did not protest. He eagerly stepped up and volunteered to fight the giant. I recently wrote about justifiable anger. David was justifiably angered that the Philistine had “defiled the armies of the living God.” I Samuel 17:36. His anger made him ready to fight the giant for God’s people.

The important lesson our children need to learn from David is that he completely trusted God despite the fact that he was young, small and without armor or weapons. He did not look for excuses. I hear young people say, “I can’t,” about so many things because they don’t have the right physical build, the right clothes, the best car, or enough pocket money.

If we are doing God’s will, we will have what we need to be successful. David killed the giant with a small stone. Moses, with Aaron’s help, led the Israelites from Egypt. Abraham fathered the nation of Israel though his son Isaac.

Teach your children the story of David when they need the courage to trust God’s leading in their lives. Remind them not to worry about their own personal inadequacies. Having God on their side will make them winners.