Blog Post
Posted by Dion Todd April 1st, 2022 4,995 Views 0 Comments
Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. David said to Saul, Your servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and struck him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and struck him, and killed him. Your servant struck both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. 1 Samuel 17:34'36 WEB.
When David walked out on the battlefield to meet the giant Goliath, it wasn't the first time he had fought something big and scary. God had been preparing David for years while tending sheep, performing a common, everyday, typical job. Shepherding their father's sheep was a job that none of his brothers wanted to do. Out of the eight sons, only David was tending sheep on the day the prophet Samuel came to visit them. Some of his brothers were soldiers in the Israelite army (1Samuel 17:17).
While David protected his father's sheep, he learned to fight off lions and bears. Then God placed a giant in front of him. It didn't happen by accident, for God had trained David with bigger and bigger things to prepare him. Now it was his time to shine. David didn't start out facing giants. He started by tending sheep. God prepares you for his work ahead of time, sometimes using the most mundane things. Most of the time, we don't even know that He is training us.
I spent twenty years working on computer networks, mail servers, web servers, firewalls, and the supporting infrastructure. Then God pushed me into the ministry, and I used the things I learned then to build our online church here at Refreshing Hope Ministries. God is efficient, and He wastes nothing. He will use the skills He placed in your life to further His kingdom. He will use the world to train you for His work.
The common, everyday tasks you deal with daily are always preparing you for something bigger. The skills you develop in the natural can be used by Him. So do your best at whatever He has given you today, and when the time comes, you will be ready for the promotion just as David was. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You let me see my life through Your eyes for a change. Please show me how I can make a difference and let me experience divine encounters in my life. Teach me, train me, and use me, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!: FAAD Group:
> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Site update #586: I completed a large update to the Audio Library on the left sidebar. There is now a live service archive of all past services, full-length in case you miss a service and want to catch up, as well as all of our original music. You can download the .mp3 files directly to your device now to listen when you don't have internet. I also added a pop-out player so you can listen without remaining on the page. Give it a try and let me know if you have any problems. 😀
Comment from Tyler Velau
1 day ago
Thank you for your continuing work on the site and your efforts to bring the truth of the Gospels to people around the world via the internet. Your hard work and dilligence is appreciated.
Comment from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
1 day ago
Thank you so much, Pastor Dion, for all that you do, it sounds to me like non-stop "24-7"! God bless you and Sylvia abundantly, above and beyond! 🙏🤗
Comment from Nell Neathery
1 day ago
sounds great. I know that will be useful for me...need to write that down. Hope the Todd family have a blessed Saturday and Sunday. I do believe God gave us those 2 special days for His sake and our sake! Work hard or volunteer (myself) hard through the week. We get our rewards here on Earth and rewards in Heaven.
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 days ago
That sounds amazing Pastor Dion, thank you!!!