Farm boy

This morning, I read the story of David facing Goliath.  Saul made him try on his armor, but David realized that wasn't him.  David didn't need armor; he knew who he was.  He was a shepherd boy.  And then Goliath mocked David for being a boy and for carrying his shepherd staff.  I can just picture a young boy standing there humbly yet boldly facing that giant man who would dwarf the World's Strongest Man.  David was unashamed.

Maybe for the first time this morning, I embraced the reality that I am just a farm boy, and that is enough.  God has given me many opportunities, but I have been so worried about pedigree and how people perceive me.

This morning, I had the privilege of serving as a judge at a water treatment technology design competition sponsored by Rice.  Student teams from Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, UTEP, Lamar, Virginia Tech, and Rice.  Like Dean Kaman says in his Slingshot autobiography/documentary, water in developing countries is like a Goliath. 

Today, I felt the freedom to just be myself.  I don't have to worry about how other people perceive me.  Sure, I am just a farm boy, but it isn't about me; it is about how powerful my God is and the victories that He will accomplish through me.  As I sat there in my hotel room reading this classic story, I was overcome with a realization of the freedom of being who God made me and trusting in His power.  I think I had a significant breakthrough this morning.  Gazing at God and glancing at Goliath, not visa versa.

God continues to open doors for me.  He continues to set me up in more battles.  He is glorified as I step forward in humble boldness, believing that He will give the victory.

Heavenly Father, thank you for who you made me.  I don't have to be anyone else, and I don't have to worry about what anyone else thinks of me.  I can be me.  You want me to be me.  I will be humble, and you will show your power and give me victory.  Lord Jesus, you are the humble Man who won the greatest victory, and I will be an overcomer like you.  Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and power.  I want more.  Take me deeper with you.  Use me more.  May I be useful for others to receive the Living Water.  I pray in the name of Jesus.