Skip to content

How to Forge Your Armor: Preparing for the Right Fight

Insights from The Weekly REBOOT

By: Bryan Flanery

When David stepped onto the battlefield to face Goliath, he didn’t rely on the impressive armor of King Saul. Instead, he leaned into what he already knew—what God had already equipped him with. David’s trust wasn’t in the tools others thought he needed, but in the God who had prepared him through past experiences.

The same is true for us. We all face battles—challenges that test our faith, resilience, and trust in God. But just like David, we have to ensure we’re fighting with the right armor—the one designed specifically for us. Trying to wear someone else’s armor, no matter how impressive it looks, will only weigh us down. So how do we forge the right armor for the fight ahead?

Here are three key steps to help you prepare for battle:

1. Reflect on Past Victories – What Has God Brought You Through?

Before David faced Goliath, he told King Saul about the battles he had already won. “When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.” (1 Samuel 17:34-35). David’s confidence didn’t come from arrogance—it came from remembering God’s faithfulness in the past.

Take a moment to reflect on the challenges and battles God has brought you through.

  • What situations seemed impossible at the time, but you made it through?
  • How did God show up when you felt weak or unprepared?

Every past victory is a reminder that God is still with you and will continue to equip you for the battles ahead. These experiences have shaped your faith, developed your character, and forged the armor that fits you perfectly.

2. Identify Your Strengths – What Gifts, Experiences, and Wisdom Has God Equipped You With?

David didn’t walk onto the battlefield empty-handed. He took what he was familiar with—a sling and five smooth stones. It might not have looked like much compared to Goliath’s armor, but it was exactly what David needed to win the battle. God had prepared him for this moment through his years as a shepherd, teaching him courage, precision, and dependence on God.

Look closely at what God has placed in your hands.

  • What talents, skills, and experiences has He entrusted you with?
  • How has He uniquely positioned you for the battles you’re facing?

You don’t need to imitate someone else’s approach or strategy. Your strengths and gifts are enough because God has equipped you specifically for your journey. Whether it’s a heart for prayer, the ability to encourage others, or a deep knowledge of Scripture—your armor is tailor-made for the fight God has called you to.

3. Take Off What Doesn’t Fit – Stop Trying to Fight with Strategies or Solutions That Weren’t Meant for You

When Saul placed his armor on David, it didn’t fit. It was too heavy, too unfamiliar, and ultimately, it wasn’t what David needed to fight Goliath. David had the courage to take off what didn’t fit and trust that what God had already given him was enough.

Evaluate what “armor” you’re trying to wear that might not be meant for you.

  • Are you relying on someone else’s method to solve your problems?
  • Are you trying to copy a strategy that works for others but doesn’t align with how God has wired you?

Taking off the wrong armor is just as important as putting on the right one. It frees you to move with confidence and rely on the tools God has already placed in your hands.

Forging Your Armor Takes Time and Trust

Forging your armor isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process of continually walking with God, learning from your experiences, and growing in faith. As you reflect on past victories, recognize your God-given strengths, and shed anything that doesn’t fit, you’ll discover that God has already equipped you for every battle ahead.

Why This Matters: The Right Armor Prepares You for the Right Fight

Life will bring its fair share of challenges—giants that seem impossible to defeat. But remember, the size of the giant doesn’t matter when you’re fighting with the armor God has given you. Just as David trusted that God had prepared him through his experiences as a shepherd, we too can trust that God has been preparing us for the battles we face.

When you walk confidently in the armor that fits you, you’re not just fighting for survival—you’re fighting for victory. God doesn’t just want you to make it through the battle—He wants you to overcome, grow, and glorify Him through it.