We glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience, and experience, hope – Romans 5:3-4

David, the shepherd boy, stood without armor and without sword to face the giant Goliath. In his hand held a sling, in his pouch were five smooth stones. How is it that a boy could face the giant without fear and be confident of victory?

Yes, we know God was with him and with God all things are possible. But, a little research reveals something we need to learn that David knew. His confidence was in God but that confidence came from experience. You see there was a bear threatening the sheep. David faced the bear and the sheep were saved. Later came a lion and David faced it with fear and confidence. He saved the sheep.

Every day we live there seems to some new thing that causes us concern. A flat tire, an unexpected bill, a storm that damages our home or some thing we must deal with that we did not see coming. Sickness, accident, deaths and the like come our way far too often. We ask, "God why did you allow this?" He doesn’t give us the answer we want to hear. So, our faith is challenged.

David learned by facing the bear and the lion that God could be counted on. He also learned confidence from experience. There is no mention that God told David that one day he would face a giant. It was just one of those unforeseen events that was to come David’s way in life.

Let us realize that all the little unforeseen things come our way are God’s way of equipping us to handle the larger challenges. We learn to trust Him, have confidence in Him and our abilities and we wait with patience not anxiety.

Like the man said, "Lord I’m tired of learning. Any more of it and it might kill me." We feel that way when the waves of trouble wash over us. Let us remember that it is not the waves that matter but our faith in God.

God’s Wisdom: "In repentance and rest you shall be saved,In quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

Man’s Wisdom: Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save. – Will Rogers