Michelangelo examined the stone carefully. This stone had already been rejected by the more notable artists of his community. There were imperfections and discolorations that made it less than ideal. From several different angles the master artists looked at this stone. In excitement he declared that it was perfect.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Not only was the stone clearly filled with imperfections but the studio that Michelangelo would use to sculpt his next masterpiece was less than ideal. This was not an indoor studio with air conditioning or heat or even a roof to protect him from the elements. The arena of his work was more like a small inner-city backyard. Starting the work with an incredible will, the artist used hammer, chisel, and broom; and regardless of the weather, worked to form the powerful statue of King David. There are many moments in the life of this Jewish king that he could have selected, but the moment selected was the moment when David decided that he would face Goliath.
We all come to this moment.
We can be and live in the identity that God created us for or we can shy away from that call because it is too hard, too scary, or too uncomfortable. David surveyed his life. He was the eighth child in a culture that favored the oldest son above all others. His brothers despised him as only an older brother can do to his baby brother. He did have the incident with Samuel where he was anointed to be the King of Israel. He did not much feel like a king but maybe Samuel, the prophet, saw something that he did not. David reflected on his history of fighting lions and bears and knew that he had more in him than most people noticed. Now here he was on the battle lines. The giant was bad mouthing His God. This God that He loved with all of his heart was being insulted. Would this God need him to fight for His name? Of course not. However, did this God want David to demonstrate the power of a relationship with the King of Kings? Could this God use this young man?
Saul, the king, did not seem to think so. His brothers did not seem to believe that he was anything more than a little twerp. David heard the voices around him and the opinion on him was mixed at best.
David had to decide who he would be.
Would he live as a simple shepherd, living a quiet life surrounded by sheep with moments of terror fighting the bears and lions? Or would he rise up and be a warrior of Israel? Would he fight the same way that the warriors had always fight or would he listen to God and fight differently? Would he win. These are likely some of the questions that he wrestled with as he prepared to face Goliath. He imagined his father’s pride in his boy’s foolish daring as he challenged this giant that sent fear even to the bravest of Israel. Also in his imagination was his mother’s grief in his demise. What should he do? Quietly, he connected with God through prayer. He spoke. He listened. Then he knew what he had to do. He would trust God and would face the giant.
It is this moment that changed the direction of his life. It was this moment that Michelangelo saw in the stone and then took time to chisel away anything in the stone that did not represent that moment of decision.
My friends, what does the artist see in you? What are voices telling you? Some will seem supportive; others live in opposition. Understand the greater the calling the greater the opposition. The voices can be loud directing you away from your calling. If we are to experience a forged life we must settle into and trust the Creator to work on us and chisel away those things that really don’t represent His vision of our lives. Some of these things might pain us to lose. Some parts might be good, just not His best for you. Let Him chisel and form you to be His very own creation.
