| Fight Like David Jun. 1, 2005 |
1 Sam 17:4-5, 33-37 NKJV 4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 33 And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 Moreover David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Notice that Goliath is first recognized as a champion, but David only describes himself as a servant. Pride comes before a fall (Prov 16:18). Nobody believed in David. But David remembered how the Lord had saved him many times before. His past testimony gave him faith, courage and strength to beat Goliath. David was able to remain humble because he wasn't looking at his own capabilities but God's. He did not doubt because God had already proven to David that His capabilities were infinite and beyond human comprehension. People ridiculed David and told him that he needed to go home. When they looked at him they did not see a champion. Their mistake was that they were judging him by their standards and trying to make him conform to their tactics. But David was being led by God and he shocked the world! He was able to do something that they could not do and God promoted him greatly for that. David's actions would appear foolish to anyone not in tune with God's plan. So would some of the things that God asks us to do today, such as love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who spitefully use us (Matt 5:44). We have to always be aware that tribulation will come (Jn 16:33). But if we watch, pray, listen, and obey the voice of the Lord we will beat the goliaths in our lives. Opportunities will come and we will make all those who persecute us look like fools. God promised to prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies (Ps 23:5). That means our enemies will be standing by watching as God shows favor on us. Don't give up. When persecution comes, fight like David. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray Scripture References NKJV Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, "A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, |