With David in the school of the shepherd's heart

Where did David learn to be a champion-- a giant slayer-- for Israel? Tending sheep! 1 Samuel 17:34-37

David knew to give his everything for even the smallest things.... which is why he was called upon of God to take down the big things. Typically, the sheep that get picked off by bears and wolves are those that are sick or old-- qualities that would render sheep less desirable or less important even in human eyes. But David didn't care... he would leave the 99 other sheep to go and fight for that one old, sick sheep of which others would so easily think: "ehh... it's not worth risking my time, energy, and life to save that one... I should choose my battles wisely. I should save my strength for more important things." To David, there was no holding back; no saving strength for another day; no task given him by his father (who was, in fact, prone to overlook his youngest son) that was unworthy; no sheep that was not important enough; no sheep that he did not love enough for him to risk life and limb to save.

How often do I pick my battles-- rank who in my life is "worthy" of time, attention, and intercession over others? Of course I must follow the leading of the Spirit when I pray, but how often do I think I have done enough praying when, in fact, there are so many whose needs I have simply deemed unimportant? Oh God, how many requests have fallen to my ears, only to go no further? If I cannot be trusted to pray and fast for the needs of the few people in my life now, how can I be trusted in the spiritual battles that come with the Spirit-led ministry to which I so aspire?