A Shepherd's Bag

1 Samuel 17:40

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

The shepherd’s bag was a bag that carried necessary items the shepherd needed as he cared for his sheep. When David faced Goliath, it is interesting to note that he did not take off the shepherd’s bag, but he kept it on. When Saul tried to get him to use his armour, David chose to keep the shepherd’s bag on his side. It was that bag that David put the five stones he planned to use against Goliath, and it was because he had that bag and used it instead of Saul’s armour that he was able to defeat the great giant.

Every believer represents the Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 10:11, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Just like David carried a shepherd’s bag for his journey, so the believer ought to have in his bag several things that will help him to face the Goliaths of their life so they represent the Saviour well.

First, every believer needs to have a walk with God in their bag. You will never face life’s giants successfully without walking with God. Your walk with God will determine whether you have the weaponry to successfully fight Satan and his forces. Your bag will be empty as you fight your giants in life if you don't spend time in God’s Word and walking with God in prayer daily.

Second, every believer needs character in their bag. David was a man of character, and his character is what caused him not to run from Goliath. Your character is what you revert to when difficulties arise. You show me if you go forward or retreat in the difficulties of life, and I will show you your level of character. You ought to have the character to always do the right thing no matter what giant of life you face.

Third, every believer needs mercy in their bag. David was a man of mercy who never criticized his leader despite his leader’s weaknesses. Mercy is critical to have in your bag, for there will be many times you will need it so that you don't destroy others who don't have the faith you have in this spiritual warfare. Keeping mercy in your bag helps you to be a builder of lives.

Fourth, every believer needs determination in their bag. David had the determination never to quit despite the difficulties he faced in his life. He did not quit when Saul tried to kill him, he did not quit when he fell in sin, and he did not quit when his son turned against him. You must have determination in your bag if you will serve God your entire life. The Christian life is not easy, and that is why you must have determination so that quitting is never an option no matter how big the difficulties you face in life.

Fifth, every believer needs faith in their bag. David was a man of faith, and his faith gave him the courage to face any giant no matter how old he was. You cannot please God nor succeed in the Christian life without having faith to attempt the impossible in your bag of life. The courage it takes to attempt great things for God only comes from faith.

My friend, what you have in your bag of life will determine the final narrative of your life. You will find your life to be a life of the miraculous if these five things are found in your bag of your life.