“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (1 Samuel 17:45 NLT)
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 17:4 that Goliath was more than 9 feet tall. He wore armor that weighed more than 125 pounds, yet young David did not hesitate to face him. I think of the thousands of soldiers of the army of Israel, all of whom were bigger, stronger, much more experienced than Joseph, most of whom were critical of a young kid who thought he could defeat a giant. “Who does he think he is?” must have been the resounding theme on the minds of the cowards of Israel.
But David’s focus wasn’t on his inadequacy, it was on God’s adequacy. David’s attitude was, “Whatever I need, God will provide, because it’s His fight, not mine. I’m simply His instrument.” Beloved of God, that must be our attitude as well!
We must not focus on our inadequacies when God gives us an assignment we deem too big for us. Of course it’s too big for us! If it’s not, why do we need God? Cancer, poverty, fear, dementia, chronic pain, the list is virtually endless of the debilitating issues we face as we age, yet none are too big to keep us from carrying out God’s plans for our life.
When God gives us an assignment, regardless of our age, stage in life, health, or any other issue, the only acceptable response is: “Yes, Lord!” “Yeh, but I’m too sick to get out of bed!” Then one of two things will happen. Either He’ll heal you enough to enable you to get out of bed or enable you to do what He’s asked while you’re still in bed. Either way, it will demand your strict reliance upon His strength and resource.
Whenever God asks us to do anything for Him it will likely entail the use of something He’s already given us or taught us. The Lord gave David extraordinary skills with a sling that he honed on lions and bears. What is He teaching you? How is He equipping you to fight His battles? What friendships has He given you that may be the door to reaching people for the Lord you never dreamed possible? How about a new position at work? A new neighbor? Someone you just met at church or while shopping?
Pastor Bryan Loritts wrote: “Courage is the difference between those who want to and those who do.” How many of those frightened soldiers of Israel wished they’d had the courage to do what David did? How many wanted the acclaim, the rewards, just the esteem that came with the courage to do what was right, but lacked the courage to risk?
What has the Lord placed on your heart to do for Him that’s frightening? Too big? Too hard? You and God are a majority! If He calls you to do something, He’ll equip you to do it! Fear will defeat you, but faith will energize you! Focus on your weakness will freeze you but focus on the God who never fails will liberate you!
Courage isn’t something we muster; it’s a gift from God for those willing to risk everything for the reward of His honor and fame. After David defeated the giant, the Army of Israel crushed the Philistines, the same Philistines the sight of whom paralyzed them moments before the God of Israel moved on their behalf in and through the courage of a young boy. What’s it going to take to give you the courage to pick up your “sling” and attack the “giant” that’s taunting you?
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 