The advice of others doesn’t always fit our circumstances and God’s peculiar answered prayers for our life may appear strange to others. Kerynn shares.
“Then Saul gave David his own armor–a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. ‘I can’t go in these,’ he protested to Saul. ‘I’m not used to them.’ So David took them off again” (1 Samuel 17:38-39).
Apparently King Saul was around 6’4” tall and at least “a head taller” than anyone else in Israel (1 Samuel 9:2).
David was “only a boy” and not old enough to be in the army where the average height was about 5’4”, so it’s assumed he was only about 5 feet tall (1 Samuel 9:2).
Now picture David, at around 5 feet tall, putting on King Saul’s armor that fitted a solid man of approximately 6’4”! Imagine the hilarity of the situation with David trying to walk in armor that’s way too big for him! A funny and crazy situation before a serious battle!
King Saul wanted to protect young David, so he thoughtfully gave him what had always worked for him, but David is not Saul. It didn’t fit!
How often do we accept people’s ill-fitting advice?
They may do it out of love and it may be what has worked for them, but they are not you. Here is where we need wisdom and discernment from God–and sometimes a sense of humor too.
David wisely decided to take the ill-fitting earthly armor off. He removed what didn’t fit him and chose to trust God’s spiritual armor (1 Samuel 17:37).
Whatever challenge, struggle, or battle you’re in, God has the perfect solution. God’s ways are not our ways though, so it may be a peculiar solution to perfectly fit you.
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord'” (Isaiah 55:8).
For David, his solution was not wearing physical armor and using 5 round stones and a sling shot that was familiar. It was a crazy scenario, but one where strong faith in God, wisdom, and knowledge of his strengths created victory.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that You have the perfect solution for me! Help me to listen to You and have faith in the directions You’re taking me, even when it’s not what other people think is right. Give me Godly wisdom and discernment. Amen.
About the Author:
Kerryn Wright was living with her family among the gum trees in South Australia. Currently she’s living with a friend while they sell their family home. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.
What peculiar direction is God leading you in right now? Could it be that what seems crazy is actually the best fit for you?
Great devotion Kerryn! Advice that is ill-fitting can get us into all sorts of trouble, much better to listen to God and the intuition He gives us.
God Bless You!
Thanks Karlton 🙂
Yes, it’s hard when people lovingly offer the advice that’s worked for them, especially when I have that “gut” certainty that it’s not right for me. I do research the suggestions given to me, in case it’s God’s perfect fit for me. However, mostly I’ve learned that it’s not & I need to trust my excellent medical team, but mostly God’s direction. May God continue to guide you with His wisdom in your current health needs, Karlton. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Very true.
Thanks 🙂
So glad “God has the perfect solution”, because without the help and discernment only He can give, we’d be floundering so much more. I need to keep reminding myself that what seems complex to us, is simple to God 🙂
Great analogy of others’ advice and ill-fitting armour!
Blessings,
Fiona
Thanks Fiona 🙂
Yes, I’d hate to think how I’d be now without all of the direction God has given me, including some very strange helps!! Great reminder to me from you about how “what seems complex to us, is simple to God”….. YES!!! Need that today! Thanks 🙂
I smiled when God gave me the analogy about the ill-fitting armour & all of the specifics about Saul & David’s sizes, which I wasn’t fully aware about. God is good. He meets us in our deepest needs & guides us in His ways…… thank goodness!! 🙂 God bless ya buddy. LOTSoluv Kerryn
I so needed this word today. Thank you for sharing, Kerryn.
Thanks Pami 🙂
I’m delighted that God timed “this word today” for you. God is good! May His peculiar solutions be a perfect fit for you in your current health needs. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
I THANK GOD SO MUCH.. FOR HIS PECULIAR
SOLUTIONS. IN HIS TIME AND HIS WAYS.
THANK YOU KERRYN.
HELLO LISA.
GOD BLESSED YOU BOTH….???
Thanks Venus 🙂
We have an awesome God to do that for us!
I’m always delighted to see your comments, Venus. God bless you too! LOTSoluv Kerryn
Hi Kerryn,
I chuckled when I read your funny description of David walking in Saul’s oversized armour! I can relate a wee bit because I’m about the height you think David may have been. Many times I’ve tried on clothes in a store that have been way too big for me. Mostly too long. How impractical to wear something I could trip over and perhaps hurt myself badly.
Your illustration fits the theme so well.
Lately I’ve been mulling over my present situation and wondering why the Lord doesn’t provide me with an expanded ministry, perhaps taking me in a new direction. Or a part-time job that could bring in some much needed cash and could also be a ministry. But doors keep slamming in my face.
So thanks, Kerryn, your devotional has boosted my trust in our wise, loving God.
Do you have any idea how long you have to stay with your friend? It must be hard to wait so long to return to your family and your special new home.
Grace & peace,
Beth
Thanks dear Beth 🙂
I’m glad that you got a chuckle from this! I do LOVE God’s sense of humour!
Interesting that you said you’re about David’s height. Somehow I’d already pictured you as being shorter than me. I’m about 5’5″…. always interesting finding out how others look that we chat to online.
I’m thanking God for His encouragement to you through this message that really encouraged me when He gave it to me. God is good!! I pray that God will guide you clearly to what He wants you to do when He wants you to do it….. & until then that you can rest. I love your willingness to serve God.
No idea when I can finally be reunited with my beloved hubby & family in our next house together!! Only God knows. My hubby made me chuckle when he said “wanna rent a house & move in with me!” The current contract on our house ends on June 30th, so we’re praying our buyers can sell their land before then! God bless you dear friend. LOTSoluv Kerryn♥