Compelled to write, I began this journey sensing the call of God, even despite some who questioned it. The feelings of aloneness took my breath away at times. Rivers of discouragement pulled me under, bolstered by a burdensome backpack. This pack was well-worn, stuffed with letters of interrogation: aptitude, skill, and capability for the journey. My Savior was besieged with these trite expressions in questioning His plan. But each time a patient response was given: Return to Your God-Given Focus: that the world may “know” the power of God! And here, I begin my Tenth Year of writing on The Scarlett Road!

To know and love God is what He desires of all His followers. But until we learn experientially the God of the Bible, we will never reach our full potential. And to reach our full potential we may need to walk through the lion’s den or stand up to a giant.

For David, standing before the giant LOUDLY & PUBLICALLY brought God’s power to the forefront (1 Samuel 17:45). I certainly marvel at David’s courageous stance before a giant. But I marvel to a greater degree at his private stance before his brother. David withstood a verbal attack from his older brother just a few verses earlier before engaging Goliath (verse 28). That verbal attack would have sent me packing, cowering back to the sheep and I would have missed out on being used by God to defeat the giant for a whole Nation. Obviously, David’s strong faith was ingrained as he shepherded his father’s sheep and focused on HIS Shepherd (Psalm 23). He spent much time alone with the God of the Word. David knew where he stood, and it was on solid ground, not upon what others thought or portrayed of him.

It saddens me to think I allowed others the power to distract me from God’s work. Whether through their words or actions, I allowed fear and not “measuring up” to be my gauging rod. I was often defeated before I reached the REAL battle. No wonder I rarely stood up to GIANTS!

David could have hung his head and felt sorry for himself. He could have run back home, never to fight the giant; BUT he was strong in the Lord his God; David knew God’s goodness and unfailing love!

David was sent by his earthly father to do a task but even more, his heavenly Father needed a stone thrower, and his heavenly Father “knew” David’s heart and wanted to include him in His story.

Thank you, Lord, for including me in your story despite my frailties. Help me to throw my stone, unashamedly. Thank you for providing what is needed for the journey, the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Thank you for the shield of faith. I pray to use it more faithfully and not succumb to the fiery darts of the evil one!

Never allow Satan’s minions to prevent you from throwing your stone.