So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him…— 1 Samuel 17:50 NKJV
Everything that God does, every of His word is motivated by his love for us. Sometimes God allows adversity in our lives to help us develop strong character so we can handle the next level He is bringing us to.
In those moments and situations when we feel He is distant from us, when we don’t seem to hear Him or He seems to be quiet. Even in those very moments, God loves us, He has our best interest at heart and everything He does is motivated by His love for us.
Many people are in one battle or the other. They are faced with a giant in the form of debt and financial crisis, cancer, a non-compliant child, a wicked boss, a legal battle, divorce and so on.
Just as the size and appearance of Goliath frightened the Israelite army, we could also be frightened by the sheer weight of the battles we face.
David’s confidence in deciding to take on Goliath was based on his experience as a shepherd. He recounts how God has been there to help him kill a lion and a bear when they attacked him and his flock.
David’s confidence in facing Goliath was his dependence on God as the Warrior and Defender of His people. He said, “… for the battle is the LORD’s” (vs 47) thereby putting the battle into a proper perspective. The perspective that God exists, and He delivers His own people against overwhelming odds.
We need to put into proper perspective the battles we face and the giants confronting us. We need to give these battles into the capable hands of the LORD.
To get David ready for the battle with Goliath, King Saul dressed David in his own fighting gear. But David could not move in them, the fighting gear hindered David more than helping him.
With all the gear Goliath had on, who would have thought that a sling and a stone would bring him down. David’s triumph or victory over Goliath was more faith and dependence on the name of the LORD than on any military weaponry, tactics or strategy.
When we are dealing with life’s battles, sometimes it’s not about how clever we are with words. Sometimes, it’s not about how much time we spend in prayer or how many men and servants of God lay their hands on us. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of simply acknowledging the power and sovereignty of God over that battle or giant and then completely trusting Him to act.
We’ve all had to face a battle or two at some point in our life. Looking back, how did you overcome that giant or battle? If you’re still in the middle of it, how has your character been shaped by the situation?
There is a saying, “tough situations don’t last, only tough people do”. Whatever battle you are in today, be encouraged by Moses’ encouraging words to the Israelites:
“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT)
Stayed blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 