Everyone who‘s ever had any exposure to the stories of the Bible knows about David and Goliath. As a matter of fact, even those who are not Jews or Christians make reference to these Biblical characters to describe a situation in which a small or weak person or organization tries to defeat another much larger or stronger opponent, as in:  “This game sure looks like a David and Goliath contest to me.“Or“David takes on Goliath as local firm fights giant multinational‘s takeover bid.“

Of course, most of the emphasis is on the striking contrast between the mature fighting machine that is Goliath and the amateur young warrior. You can easily visualize the imposing figure of Goliath silhouetted against the Philistine skyline and hear his intimidating trash talk, challenging anyone who had the guts to take him on to simply show up and fight.

The reaction of the Israelite forces is predictably feeble: “On hearing the Philistine‘s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified…Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.“ (I Samuel 17:11, 24)

And then there is David, the shepherd-turned boy-soldier, sporting a slingshot and spouting a shot of indignation: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?“

However, there is a significant detail in this story that is often overlooked when we simply focus on the contrast between the two and the contest that turns out to be no-contest.

Before David decides to take on Goliath, he asks a question: “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?“ He can hardly believe his ears when he hears the answer: “The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his family from taxes in Israel.“

Now that is what you call a triple crown. Can‘t you just see the wheels turning in David‘s cranium? “Great wealth sounds great. Marrying the king‘s daughter, that‘s a bonus. But a lifetime exemption from income taxes–that‘s the clincher. I gotta go for it!“ Motivated by the prospect of having all three, he says to King Saul: “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.“

Did you notice the contrast in attitude between David and the rest of the Israelite army? They focused on what was coming AT them, while David fixed his eyes on what was coming TO him. The Israelites‘ attitude doomed them to defeat. David‘s mindset had no room for failure whatsoever.

Dear DWOD friend, have you ever found yourself facing an obstacle of Goliath proportions? If you only look at what‘s coming AT you, you are bound to be intimidated. It will kill your desire to even contemplate the prospect of engaging in war. You have already lost the fight before you even lifted a finger.  

What if you, like David, were to focus on what is coming TO you instead? The victory that is yours as one who is “more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus?“ Or the prize that was promised in a prophetic word you received?

It could make the difference between advancing into your destiny and retreating to a life of mediocrity. You too could make the headlines:

“Christian youth takes on school system and wins David vs Goliath battle.“

“David slays Goliath as stay-at-home Mom runs multimillion dollar porn shop out of town.“

Now it‘s your turn. Here you go. Write your own headline.

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Focus on what‘s coming TO you, not what‘s coming AT you.

We greatly appreciate your response to this DWOD. Just add your comments directly below this post. Perhaps you would be bold enough to share your headline with the rest of us?

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”(Acts 6:2-4)

The early Church is facing a problem that comes with growth. Complaints. In this case, it is about one segment being neglected. The widows of Greek-speaking believers are not getting their fair share of their daily necessities.

As you would expect, the complaints are levelled against the Jewish-Christian leadership. There is tension that needs immediate attention before it crescendos to a crisis.

Now the twelve apostles have to make a decision about how to resolve this problem. It would appear upto this point that they were personally doing everything—from preaching and praying to providing daily rations to everyone from the common pool.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and THEY distributed to each as anyone had need. (Acts 4:32-35)

So, they come up with a solution. Appoint “seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” to take care of the widows. They would devote themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 

Their example teaches all of us a very important lesson in leadership. As a matter of fact, this is a key to advancing toward your destiny. You need to know when to say No.

It is not as though the apostles were incapable of doing the daily distribution. They had what it took to get the job done. Perhaps it was a chore that brought them great satisfaction as they saw the grateful smiles on the faces of the recipients. But, it was not their primary calling. They had to say “No” to anything that would detract from what they were uniquely called and equipped to do.

So do you.

Dear DWOD friend, may I suggest an exercise? Keep track of all that you do every day for one week. Go through the list one item at a time and ask this question: “Is this contributing to the fulfillment of my primary calling or detracting from it?”

If you determine that an activity does not qualify as a vital contributor in reaching your destiny, you simply say “NO” to it. Even if it gives you great pleasure. Even if you have the skill set for it. Yes, that is tough. But please do not confuse what you like to do with what you need to do. Learn to distinguish what you are capable of doing from what you are called to do.

You will be amazed at how this simple step will help you accelerate into your destiny. Please try it and share your results with the rest of your DWOD family. Just post your comment directly below this post.