In these unprecedented times of pandemic and stress, we are all fighting our own battles or assisting with battles of others. These issues and situations can be overwhelming, cause fear and much apprehension. Then to complicate matters, if like me, you are fighting numerous battles on many fronts..
I woke this morning and began to pray. God brought to mind the account of David versus Goliath. It yields many nuggets that believers can learn and rely while battling the “Goliath’s” in our lives.
When reading 1 Samuel 17, it opens describing details of the ongoing stalemate of the Philistines and Israel on separate mountains with a valley between them.
What’s most striking is the description of the major challenger to Israel – Goliath! He was tall and overbearing. The appearance of him seemed to strike fear. He was armed, protected and dangerous. He was a loudmouth and a bully and he openly and boldly threatened the army of Israel.
We too are threatened! Our personal issues and situations at times seem looming. They reverberate in our minds so loud that they often direct our thought process. We can’t think or see straight. It demands attention as a bully in our lives would. It has the potential to consume us – to leave us scared to move in fear. Our problems dare us to meet them in the valley to single us out assuming it will overtake us totally.
Thank and praise God we have the example of David in scripture!
David was prepped by God for this battle in the past. In David’s years as a shepherd, I’m sure he perfected his skills with a slingshot against predators of his herd. I’m sure that simple tool helped him fight off threats of various types. For practical reasons he acquired and probably became an expert at a skill which would be utilized for a greater task later.
God has prepped us with skills and talents to battle. You have been groomed with skills to win. What tools or talents do you possess to aid you in your battle? If you don’t know – pray and seek for it. God will reveal how He has prepped you for the current struggle. The skill is there. Use it!
Yes! Use what you have…David used what he had. Others viewing and knowing the type of battle he faced attempted to give David what they thought he needed to fight the foe. Traditional armor was provided for him. It was awkward on David. His small stature couldn’t bear it. David took it off knowing it wasn’t for him to use. He pulled out his personal equipment and went to get the five stones to arm it.
The armor seemed like good advice. “I would do it this way,” or “This worked for me,” are often what we hear when about to go into battle. We receive all kinds of advice when in challenging situations. Sure, we should listen and at times yield to wisdom. Ultimately though, we are better off when we listen and yield to God and His leading over other people’s thoughts and opinions. That takes effort – prayer time and alone time discerning God’s voice and leading. In Priscilla Schrier’s book – Discerning the Voice of God – she talks about utilizing the 5 M’s:
The Five Ms of Correctly Hearing God
- Look for the message of the Spirit.
- Live in the mode of prayer.
- Search out the model of Scripture.
- Submit to the ministry of Eli (wisdom).
- Expect the mercy of confirmation.
(page 33, “Discerning the Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer). I won’t get into each specific point at the moment, but I can say in the last few weeks since discovering this guidance I do believe my listening skills have improved.
My next observation is startling to me. The battle met David. It started off as a regular day. His Dad asked him to provide provisions for his brothers on the frontline of the battle which looked bleak. He was only doing what he was asked to do. God placed him there like Ruth “for such a time as this.” Although others were there and had been there for a while, it became apparent it was David’s battle to fight. He was the one anointed by God to handle it. He was the one to go into the valley to battle.
This is a subtle reminder to always be prayed up to handle what may come your way during the day. A simple task may turn into an opportunity to be a witness or battle on God’s behalf.
Once David recognized it was his battle – he owned it! His older brother attempted to discount him, but he moved forward asking questions and surveying the issues. We need to “own” what is ours…accept the responsibility and follow through.
Well David’s brother did have a valid point – David didn’t look like he was “the one.” Saul, the leader thought David was inexperienced for the task. He thought David was too young. Remember he was the smallest of his siblings. He didn’t look the part. Goliath was huge and terrifying. He loomed over all others and was threatening.
We often do not think we fit into or look like the role for which God has prepared us. We probably don’t look like we can handle the challenge to others. God knew David like He knew Jeremiah – before he was even formed in his momma’s belly. He uniquely created us. He knows us. He knew we would face specific issues that are ours to own.
Speaking of owning the issue- David stepped up. He didn’t listen to the negative noise or chatter around him. He relied on who God said he was and what God had given him. He possessed a bold faith which stood on God’s promises. He did not boast on himself or his ability. He only spoke of God’s ability. He knew God would guide him through the battle. He praised the living God that prepped and equipped him for victory.
Oh yeah, the biggest thing – David knew there would be victory before there even was. He knew the Living God was with him assuring his triumph. We too can claim the same!
lifeandgodliness 