@NGOENYI CONTEST #13|| YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY AND THE LESSONS||THE SHEPHERD BOY ||10% TO @STEEMKIDSS by @ahbaz

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I will be sharing an interesting story I learnt ever since I was very young and even till now. It is drawn from history and also documented in the Holy Bible. This is one of my favourite Bible stories that stuck to my mind ever since I learnt of it from my Sunday school teacher in my local church here in Uyo when I was about five or so. I always liked to read it wherever I was asked to read a story from My Book Of Bible Stories to my friends. I will title it, THE SHEPHERD BOY. This story is recorded in 1 Samuel 17.

Source

THE SHEPHERD BOY
David was the youngest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite. He was considered an illegitimate child because he was believed to be begotten out of wedlock. He was a very handsome teenage boy who was smart, hardworking and also brave. David tended his father's flock of sheep all by himself daily. He always killed predators like lions and bears that tried to attack the sheep under his care without the knowledge of his father and siblings.

One day, the Philistines had a battle with the Israelites again. The soldiers in the Philistine army were mostly giants and these men were hefty and fierce. Goliath, a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, challenged the Israelites soldiers to a duel but no one was willing to take the challenge. He was about nine feet tall and that was scary enough. His challenge was that if anyone could kill him, the Philistines will be subservient to the Israelites but if he killed the Israelite instead, then the people of Israel will be their slaves.

On one of those days, Jesse asked David to take an ephah of parched corn and ten loaves to his three eldest brothers who were part of the army of Israel. He was also given some cheese for the captain of the army and asked to bring back words about the welfare of his brothers. At the camp, David heard of what happened and saw that the men were afraid, he offered to fight with the Philistine, Goliath. His brothers who saw him as always ambitious, kicked against this, but the other Israel soldiers around him took him to King Saul. Although he was only a teen and naive, the King believed in his supernatural abilities and David was given some war clothes to wear but he couldn't move comfortably in them.

Source

David got a sling and stones from his bag. He told Goliath that although he came with weapons of war to fight, that he (David) came with the name of the almighty God. After saying this, he pulled the sling and the stone went deep into Goliath's forehead. The giant fell and died instantly. Seeing this, the Philistines ran for safety and the Israelites rejoiced.

What I have learnt from the story

• God is Supreme:
  This is one of the stories that remind Christians of God's sovereign power over man and his abilities. David took the challenge to prove the power of the God of Israel.

• Bravery
  David refused to give in to fear. He didn't allow his physical inabilities to restrain him from challenging Goliath.

• Patriotism
  Taking up the challenge was not to prove his strength. David volunteered to put his life in the line so his nation could be free from Philistines who were willing to conquer and oppress them.

• Diligence And Commitment To Tasks
  David took his task and obligations seriously. He was dedicated to protecting his father's flock even when he had the option of playing or being lackadaisical about it.

• Proactiveness
  He started by protecting his flock of sheep from wild beasts like lions and bears and moved to protect his nation from external forces who meant no good for them.

Although David was young, he possessed qualities that were not common among people his age. This was because of the qualities mentioned above and also others not mentioned here.

Thank you for reading. Did you learn something from the story too?

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