The ordinary days of life far outnumber the extraordinary ones. That imbalance can get discouraging. But as we look at the lives in the Bible, we see the same pattern. Thankfully, they were normal like us.
(Photo: Elah Valley, where David fought Goliath. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)
Like us, the biblical lives show years of routine interrupted by occasion moments of excitement. But if we look, we see God at work in the ordinary day just as much as in the extraordinary.
David’s fight with Goliath in the Elah Valley is the perfect example.
David’s Extraordinary Day
The thrill of the battle between David and Goliath often overshadows the staggering transition it produced (1 Samuel 17:1 ff). Jonathan’s earlier victory at Michmash pushed the Philistines back out of King Saul’s territory. So, the Philistines’ next attempt to invade Israel came through their advance up the Elah Valley below Bethlehem—David’s hometown. Camped between Socoh and Azekah, the Philistines posed a major threat to Israel’s security.
But no one in Saul’s army, including Saul, had the nerve to face the nine-foot-tall Goliath.
David came that day at his father’s instruction to check on the welfare of his brothers in the army. Once he arrived, David recognized his heavenly Father’s will and took the responsibility no one else would accept.
(Photo: Elah Valley. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)
David’s Ordinary Day . . . and Ours
Killing Goliath represented no greater feat than what David did daily as a shepherd. But God used this ordinary day in David’s life to bring about his immense popularity with Israel, another advance along his road to becoming king.
David didn’t come to the Elah Valley that day to become a national hero. But God often uses an ordinary day in extraordinary ways.
We find a multitude of providences so timed to a minute, that had they occurred just a little sooner or later, they had mattered little in comparison with what now they do. Certainly, it cannot be chance, but counsel, that so exactly works in time. —John Flavel
Think back to the major points of transition in your own life. Did they not often occur with chance meetings, incidental conversations, and referrals from a friend of a friend?
One Objective
We never know what events God will use even today for His glory. But one mind hack—one tactic that David applied—can help us: we should always remain faithful to perform our ordinary tasks wherever we find ourselves—and let God make them great according to His pleasure and purpose (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
Our objective? To glorify God in the simple tasks which await us this ordinary day.
Our duty and only goal today is faithfulness.
Tell me what you think: What helps you get through the ordinary days of life? To leave a comment, just click here.
Like This Post? Get the Whole Book!
This post is adapted from Wayne’s book, Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible.
• These 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific place in the lands of the Bible, will help you apply the truths of God’s Word to your daily journey of faith.
• You’ll enjoy pertinent Scripture, inspirational quotes, photographs, maps, and a daily prayer.
After going places with God, you’ll never be the same.