Don't Forget Your River Stones - Part 1

Don’t Forget Your River Stones – Part 1

A slingshot is a useless weapon without stones.

“Then he (David) took his staff in his hand;
and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook,
and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had,
and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.”
-1 Samuel 17:40

Faith is useless without the knowledge of God’s truth.  Knowledge of how to do something is easily achieved, but truth reveals why it should be done.  For example, David had knowledge of how to use a slingshot.  But his faith was bigger than Goliath because he also knew the truth – why God wanted the giant destroyed.

David knew God had the ability to deliver Israel because He had delivered his forefathers from Egypt.  So David’s faith for his own need was great because he knew this truth: God wanted to keep his generation from becoming slaves to the Philistines.  David also knew Israel’s freedom glorified God and that when the Gentiles saw the blessing of God on His people, they would hunger for the God of Israel.

Likewise, knowledge of how to lose weight is good.  And knowledge of the truth about why we should be fit will empower our faith.  But our freedom from the bondage of a heavy burden glorifies God.  There are many books filled with facts about dieting and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, but facts cannot always reveal the truth, which simplifies our purpose, reason and motive.

Truth sparkles with clarity and brings refreshment to those who receive it.  Jesus spoke with great simplicity when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  Seek truth when the enemy pursues you.  Freedom comes through knowledge of the truth, which always provides an escape to safety.  The Lord promised, “If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”(John 8:31-32).

By knowing the truth, we discern the larger picture, which brings understanding and conviction.  When we understand God’s motive for making our bodies the way He did, our knowledge can set us free to enjoy His design by working with His plan instead of against it.

When we have knowledge of why God wants us to be healthy, we become passionate in our pursuit of fitness.  When we have knowledge of what is making us burdened with weight, we have power to lay that weight aside.

To be continued…

Until tomorrow, be blessed!

Remember to DREAM!