Let Go of What's Unnecessary - Sept. 27-Oct. 1 (Refuge & Series Series)
34-37 David said, “I’ve been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I’d go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I’d grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. Lion or bear, it made no difference—I killed it. And I’ll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive. God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine.”
Saul said, “Go. And God help you!”
38-39 Then Saul outfitted David as a soldier in armor. He put his bronze helmet on his head and belted his sword on him over the armor. David tried to walk but he could hardly budge.
David told Saul, “I can’t even move with all this stuff on me. I’m not used to this.” And he took it all off.
1 Samuel 17: 34-39 MSG
David knew what he needed to do, we had his weapon, he had the skill, and he had the experience.
But he had on the wrong armor, it was way too heavy. Impossible for him to move, much less fight a battle.
How many times have we found ourselves in similar positions? We know what God wants us to do, we know how to do it. But we can’t move. We’re stuck.
Your armor might not be physical armor, your armor might be sin, your armor might be religion, your armor might be poor time management.
You wear the wrong armor at home, you wear it at the gym, you wear it in pictures with your family. You can’t see it, but you feel it. You know what you have to do, but it’s impossible. You can’t move, you’re stuck.
This is important for us to talk about, the things that hold us back aren’t just keeping us back, they’re destroying us. If that’s you, and you’re wearing the wrong armor. Here are some tips on what to do:
Recognize that there’s an issue.
David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
Immediately, David knew there was an issue. He had to admit, this is not who I am. I’m not used to this.
Tell someone you’re dealing with something
Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.”
Maybe there’s a reason you haven’t told anyone, but you’ll need accountability if you’re going to continue.
Take off the Armor
“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off.
Remove it. Let go of what’s unnecessary.