David’s Five Stones

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with a flood of should haves, could haves, and would haves. Ever since I began walking with Christ, I’ve been trying to move forward. And yet, the consequences of my past still burn my skin. Every day, I’m reminded of their sting.

Yes, God has forgiven my sins. But the consequences of those old choices still remain. I find myself anxious, wondering how I’m supposed to rise above the weight of those choices.

And when I think of consequences, I’m also reminded of David’s sin with Bathsheba. When the prophet Nathan confronted him, David repented and pleaded with God for forgiveness.

“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.’” — 2 Samuel 12:13–14

But even the man after God’s own heart didn’t get a pass. God forgave David’s sin, but He still allowed the consequence to remain.

It’s a hard truth: even forgiven sin can carry weight. You can’t take a life, say sorry, and expect the world to forget. As I wrestle with the consequences of my own past, I find comfort in remembering how David’s story began.

The Stone That Was Waiting

We all know the story of David and Goliath. Most people will say, “David killed Goliath.” But I prefer a more theological perspective:

“God orchestrated Goliath’s fall.”

“Then he [David] took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” — 1 Samuel 17:40

The shepherd boy David stepped out in faith. He reached for his sling, took aim, and released the stone. It struck the giant on the forehead, and Goliath fell face down.

But what if I told you God planned every moment leading up to that throw?

When God created the heavens and the earth, shaping the terrain with His hands, carving the mountains with His fingers, scattering hills and boulders across the valleys with His breath, I imagine that He also set aside one single stone. Nestled by a stream in the Valley of Elah, alongside four others. Waiting for David.

That stone wasn’t for just anyone. It was destined from the beginning of time for David’s sling. No amount of preparation, fear, or doubt could have altered that moment. It was a divine setup. That stone had one purpose: to take down a giant.

And only David could throw it.

God vs. My What-Ifs

So why am I going on and on about this stone?

Because I’m a chronic overthinker. I spiral through endless “what-if” scenarios:

• What if there had been no stones on the ground that day?
  
• What if a bird had flown into the stone’s path as David threw it?
  
• What if the sun’s glare had blinded David and he missed?
  

But none of that happened! Because this was never just David vs. Goliath.

It was God vs. Goliath.

And that changes everything.

As I face my own giants, I remember this:
The stones I need were placed long before I ever knew I would need them.

God knew me in my sin. He knew me before I knew Him.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

The stones are ready.
The sun won’t glare.
The birds will wait.
And God, He’s watching. Waiting for me to throw my stone.

David’s Redemption

Like King David in the later years of his life, I’ve lost in life because of my own mistakes. I often find myself overthinking, turning over every stone in my past, replaying endless “what ifs.”
What if this happens?
What if that had never happened?
I’ve played out every scenario in my mind.

But here’s where I find peace these days:
If God has willed something, it will happen. Nothing and no one can stand in the way.
And if God hasn’t willed it, then no effort of mine can change that.

No amount of prayer could have saved King David’s child.
Just as no force could have stopped young David from slaying Goliath.

Some things simply happen because they are orchestrated by the Wisdom of God.

But Scripture reveals something beautiful:
God doesn’t just destroy, He also creates.

“For He wounds, but He also binds up; He injures, but His hands also heal.” — Job 5:18 

God’s redemption for David came in the form of another son. A son who, according to Scripture, was regarded as the wisest man who ever lived. Even after failure, God was still able to bring forth greatness. Win or lose, you still stand to gain something with God. With Him, there is no worst-case scenario.

And maybe, just maybe, even though my Plan A and Plan B are long gone, God still has something new for me. He can redeem me like he redeemed David.
A new plan far better than anything I could have imagined.
Greater than anything I would have built on my own.
Bigger than anything I should have ever attempted without Him.

My Goliath will fall. And when he does, I will sing this in my heart because He has redeemed me:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6