I had a practice in my school days when writing exams. I would not risk using a new (unused) pen for any paper. I must have used the pen a few times before taking it to the exam hall. This is to ensure that I’ve tested the pen and I’m used to it. This reminds me of David’s word to Saul in 1 Samuel 17; …”I’ve not tested this…” What have you tested?

Friend, life is not a game or fanfare. It is not trial and error. Those who live by trial and error end up making avoidable mistakes in life. You cannot depend on an untested weapon in the day of battle. You need to have proven your weapon. You need to know what works for you. Sometimes, what works for others may not work for you.

“And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them…” (1 Samuel 17:39). You need to have confidence in your walk with God and your weapon in life. Your weapon may not look sophisticated but if it is what you have used and tested, it is enough to deliver your destiny. David knew what worked for him. He never allowed himself to be swamped in popular opinion. He was comfortable travelling a lonely road, using unpopular method (1 Samuel 17:40).

God often establishes patterns with us as we walk with Him (Galatians 2:8). You need to note your peculiar pattern and stick to it while remaining flexible with God. God does not normally change already established patterns, except on rare occasions. You don’t want to get to critical battles in life before you start finding out what works (Psalms 78:9-10).

For David, his history with God in facing the lion and the bear was enough leverage for facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32-37). He knew how it went. He knew what weapon worked. His catapult and smooth stones may not look like what the city life required, but it was what he had mastered. God was going to use that, not something else. You need to own your unique experience with God and stop comparing yourself with others.

People fail, not for lack of competence but for lack of confidence (2 Timothy 1:12). Stop trying to live like everybody. You are not everybody, you are somebody special with a unique destiny. What has worked for you in the past? How did you win your previous battles? How has God met your needs financially? How have you navigated uncertain waters? Stick to it. Don’t blend in, stand out with God and fulfil your destiny. You will succeed!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria