Anchor Scripture 📖 Psalm 144:1 (ESV) “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” God doesn’t just give victory — He gives training. Point #1 — Talent Is Intentional: Stewardship Is Required 📖 Psalm 139:14 (ESV) “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” God created you on purpose, and the talent inside you was placed there intentionally. Talent is not about status; it is about stewardship. 📖 Acts 18:3 (ESV) “…and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.” Paul wasn’t only a preacher — he was a tentmaker. His skill supported his calling and opened doors for discipleship with Priscilla and Aquila. Key Truth: God uses ordinary skills to accomplish eternal purposes. Point #2 — Talent Goes Through a Refined Season 📖 Psalm 18:34 (ESV) “He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” This verse describes a process, not a moment. Training happens through repetition, resistance, and time. 📖 1 Samuel 16:11 (ESV) “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” David’s refinement happened in the field — unseen and overlooked. In the field, David played his lyre — not for applause In the field, David mastered the sling — not for recognition In the field, David praised God — not for approval 📖 James 1:2–4 (ESV) “The testing of your faith produces steadfastness…” Key Truth: What God refines in private, He reveals in public. Point #3 — Talent Must Be Surrendered Before It Is Sent 📖 1 Samuel 17:17–18 (ESV) “Take… these loaves… and bring them quickly to the camp…” David wasn’t sent to fight — he was sent to serve. His obedience revealed the battlefield. 📖 1 Samuel 17:20 (ESV) “So David rose early in the morning… and went as Jesse had commanded him.” To call God Adonai means Lord, Master, Owner. Key Truth: Battles are revealed through surrender, not ambition. Final Thought If God is training your hands, don’t rush the process. The same God who gave your talent, refines it — and will direct it for His glory.