When David stood before Saul on the occasion of Goliath's challenge to Israel, there was no doubt in his mind that he was qualified to take on the Philistine giant. Obviously, Saul had his doubts (1 Samuel 17:33), but David stated his experience and qualifications and concluded, "Moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine," to which Saul responded, "Go, and the LORD be with thee" (v.37, KJV).
However, it wasn't that simple. The narrative continues, "And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him" (vv. 38-39). David's response to Saul's effort is an excellent model for Christians who tend to think that what works for one believer will work for all. While there are some common elements in our spiritual walk that are clearly set out in the Scriptures, God reserves the right to deal with us in any way that accomplishes His purposes.
It is difficult to trust God in the big things if we do not have a record of trusting Him in the small things. The believer without a track record with God is likely to "borrow" every suggested steps to spiritual success recommended by their favorite author, preacher, or Bible teacher. Without a proven confidence, every solution seems workable. However, David's confidence in God was the result of his own experiences and not that of another, hence his statement, "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." Having proven his God faithful, he was now in a position to reject Saul's armour which he had not proven.
"I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him." As you prepare to fight your own giant(s), whose "armour" are you wearing? Is your confidence in God based on your personal experiences with Him or from leaning on the experiences of others?
