Have you ever read a passage in the Bible for probably the 100th time, but God opens your eyes to a truth like never before? Happens to me all the time. This morning I read 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath, and it was like the first time all over again. I read it because the lesson I am teaching this week for my 2nd/3rd grade class is on 3 instances in the life of David. Today I read about the first. Two verses uttered by young David struck me immediately. The first in verse 26–”Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” If it’s been awhile since you’ve read it let me refresh your memory. The army of Israel is at a standoff with the Philistines. For 4o days, Goliath (who is ginormous) has come out to challenge any of the Israelites to a sort of death match. Each day they all run in fear. David (who is but a boy) has come out to check on his brothers and hears the challenge. He steps up and utters verse 26. It’s kind of like saying, “just who does this guy think he is, how dare he defy God. What a fool!” I thought about that and the problems that come into my life. I need to stand up say “just who do you think you are trying to take me away from the call God has placed on my life. You have no business here.”
David’s not all talk either. He’s a man of action. He tells Saul he will fight Goliath and he doesn’t need help from anyone. Why? Read vs 45-47 (esp. 47). “..and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD’s. HE will hand you over to us.” WOW!!! This is the attitude I desire. When faced with trouble, I want to say “Get back, Jack. You do not scare me b/c the fight has already been won and guess what you didn’t succeed.” I don’t care what you throw at me, God’s got my back and how dare you even attempt to come at me.
Father, today I no longer live in fear. I know YOU hold me in YOUR hands and that any battle that comes my way, YOU will fight for me and with me. I’m ready, YOU are able. Let’s do this.
