It Doesn't FIt

What are you missing?

What are you lacking right now that, if you had it, would enable you to do something noteworthy?

Let’s take it one step further: who does have it?  Who has what you wish you had?  Is where you wish you were?

Who has more money?  More free time?  Who’s further ahead?  More respected?  Older?  Younger?  Who has more friends, education, or opportunities?  Who has less worries, restraints, or hoops to jump through?

Who has a bigger budget, team, church, house, or job?  Who has it made?

If you’re like me, you’re tempted to think you’d be winning if you only had what they have.  If you’re like me, you often pine for a chance to try it on.

When David was about to fight Goliath, Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. ³⁹David 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 Samuel 17:38,39 – NLT). 

David had watched soldiers and kings stride into battle wearing stuff like this, but he’d never been lucky, blessed, or accomplished enough to try it on himself.  This was the moment when the world would finally see that the trappings of royalty really did suit him.

But then: “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them” (39).

Are you as honest as David?  Could you admit that someone else’s education, skill-set, relationships, connections, or achievements didn’t fit you even if you had a chance to try them on?

The fact is if you suddenly had the hot job or thriving ministry or perfect family or ideal opportunity you’re envying someone else for right now it wouldn’t fit, because you wouldn’t be used to it.

It would make your butt look big.

You have exactly what you need right now.  You’re not missing anything.  And if you step aside to try on someone else’s success, you’ll just be wasting your time.  A few steps and you’ll realize: “I can’t go in these.”

You’re shaped differently than they are.  A stick fits in your hand better than a sword.  A slingshot in your fist is more protection than a bronze helmet on your head.  And five stones find their place in your pocket better than a coat of mail does upon your chest.

That doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck at some trivial level: David didn’t kill squirrels with his slingshot, he slew giants.  You can use what you have to get to whatever height God wants you to go.  But Saul’s armor isn’t your ticket.

You don’t need someone else’s props.  You already have God’s power.

So David took them off again. ⁴⁰He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine (39,40).