Throughout David’s life, even as a boy, he always had faith. It was the center of everything he did, how he lived, and how he led. Hebrews tells us, “without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). God wants us to seek Him through faith because we are called to a Greater Purpose.
The first step to living a life of Greater Purpose is faith. We know God had a Greater Purpose for David when he was anointed King of Israel as a simple shepherd boy. Even though David was often overlooked by people, including his father, brothers, and King Saul, David was chosen by God. He wasn’t chosen because he looked the part or had the experience to lead a nation but because of his faith. That faith was built over time, starting with his battle against Goliath as a boy. When David wanted to fight the giant, King Saul reminded him of who he was not: “You can’t go fight this Philistine, You’re such a youth, and he has been a warrior since he was young” (1 Samuel 17:33). But David’s faith wasn’t in who he was, but in who God is. David responded, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). David’s faith as a shepherd led him to be victorious in battle. His faith, built when nobody was watching, prepared him for when everyone was.
Our faith isn’t built on the big stage of the coaching world but during quiet times spent with the Lord in His Word. Our Greater Purpose isn’t just fulfilled in public on the field or court, but in private moments of praying for and with our spouse and children. We each have moments of surrender to the Lord that prepare us for the battles that await us in our marriage, with our children, and on our teams. We need faith to get through those battles and tell our giants of fear, bitterness, hurt, and doubt, “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I will strike you down” (1 Samuel 17:46).
Wherever you are in your faith journey, remember that God doesn’t need much to do great things. David was prepared with five stones, but he only needed one. Jesus said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, ...nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Your road to a Greater Purpose as a couple starts with one stone or one mustard seed.
What part of David’s life and example challenged and encouraged you?
Pray together and ask the Lord how you can lead together, stand for one another, and have each other’s back.