Life is a collection of choices. And the ones often so made in secret from men’s eyes and in the unhidden spectacle of God’s omniscient view edifies the Christian for every good work. The life of young David in the old testament witnesses to this divine truth. David was believed to be around 10-13 years when anointed by the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:12-13, the youngest of the 8 sons. Something about this young lad’s heart would catch the attention of an infinite God. And God would soon enable David, overlooked and despised by his own family, to find favor in Saul’s eyes and enter into his kingly service. In the next chapter when Goliath, the giant champion, the glory of the Philistine armies, would blaspheme God in challenging the Israelites. This untrained, despised teenager (David was assumed to be 15-17 at this time), would step up to the challenge. His heart within burning; but not for the glory of battle, or for the glory of Saul, or for the glory of Israel, instead for the glory of the covenant God of Israel (1 Samuel 17:26). The battle hardened armies of Israel and Saul would cower at the booming threats of the giant. Yet this shepherd boy armed only with 5 stones from the brook, a stick, his shepherd’s bag, a sling and faith in God, would walk up to the Philistine. The tall stature or notorious repertoire bore no significance to David. Whether the enemy was dressed as a lion, a bear or a giant, the God he trusted to deliver him remained Sovereign. The battle was over in a quick sling of the stone and swing of the sword. David was made a great warrior (1 Samuel 18:7). He would later go on to become the greatest king of Israel. Yet, 13 or so difficult years would separate his ascent to the throne. Those years as a young shepherd boy, those years despised by his family, those years of walking the path of tribulations, made David the giant slayer and the great king he was. The path today to our spiritual greatness begins in those years that seem trivial and wasted, in those days where you hoped for the palace but got the dark, cold cave. Without a heart after God’s own heart, David would not have been the stalwart of faith he is today (Hebrews 11:32-34). Small beginnings, being despised, jealousy from the brethren, attempts to silence you, isolation, are all weapons of the enemy to deter you from fulfilling greatness, to which God has anointed you for. Yet God in His eternal wisdom and unfailing goodness uses them to mold His greatness in and through you as your heart seeks after God’s heart. Remember even the trivial things of life are for God’s glory.