Giant Problems? No Problem!

We have a King of Israel,  named Saul who with his whole army were terrified of Goliath.

We have what was probably a teenage shepherd named David who just trusted God.

One day, David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent to the battle lines by his father to bring food and drink and bring back news about his brothers.   While he was there, David hears Goliath shouting his daily defiance against Israel and sees this great terror that has overcome the men of Israel.

David steps up and responds to all the verbal slandering’s of this giant, Goliath.

David shouts back, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that dares defy the armies of God?”

Next thing you know, David is volunteering to fight Goliath.  After much persuasion, King Saul relents and lets David go and fight against Goliath.  David arrives on the battlefield dressed in a simple tunic, and carrying his shepherd’s staff, a slingshot, and a pouch of stones.

With the giant cursing and hurling threats and insults at him, David steps up.

• David-  ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied……..today, I will give the carcasses of the Philistine  army to the birds of the air…..and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel…..it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

As Goliath moves in towards David, he reaches into his bag and slings a stone at Goliath’s head and finding a hole in the armor, the stone sinks in perfectly in the forehead of the giant who falls face down, when David takes his sword, kills him and cuts off his head.  

(6) “And He said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”   Jesus testing the disciples, to show them that whatever they needed, whatever they faced, whoever was against them; He was able to meet the need.

• I think it was because everyone was afraid of Goliath.  He seemed invincible.  Not even the tallest man in Israel, King Saul, didn’t want to fight him.
• I think also strategically the geography of the battleground had something to do with it. Both sides of this valley were steep and whoever would make the first move would have the disadvantage, and most likely be the loser, and so both sides were waiting for the other to attack first.

We have a war going on against us every day, and the enemy uses the same tactics that he used through a giant and a formidable army.  His warfare is more against our minds than our bodies.  And yet, we respond with our minds in the same way that King Saul responded.  Subjected to his fear of defeat and death, he relies on his own perception of how things are going to turn out, and focuses more on the opposition than the army and strength of a Mighty God, who is with him.

• David chose not to wear the King’s armor because it felt cumbersome and unfamiliar. David was comfortable with his simple slingshot, a weapon he was skilled at using.

God will use the unique skills he’s already placed in your hands, so don’t worry about “wearing the King’s armor.” Just be yourself and use the familiar gifts and talents God has given you. He will work miracles through you.

• David’s faith in God caused him to look at the giant from a different perspective. Goliath was merely a mortal man defying an all-powerful God. David looked at the battle from God’s point of view.   You need not go farther than reaching out and opening your Bible to see all that God can do to fight the battle for you.

• If we look at giant problems and impossible situations from God’s perspective, we realize that God will fight for us and with us. When we put things in proper perspective, we see more clearly and we can fight more effectively.

• When the giant criticized, insulted and threatened, David didn’t stop or even waver. Everyone else cowered in fear, but David ran to the battle. He knew that action needed to be taken. David did the right thing in spite of discouraging insults and fearful threats. Only God’s opinion mattered to David.

There are times I find myself in this frame of mind. God has promised me that He is with me, and that He has already given me victory in this battle against cancer.  And yet, sometimes I am like Saul, standing around looking at the circumstances and not marching forward as David, taking the word of a Mighty God , and trusting Him for the victory.

I am thankful that I need not go farther than just believing Him, trusting Him…….“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 

Are you facing a giant problem or impossible situation? Stop for a minute and refocus. Can you see the situation more clearly from God’s vantage point?

Do you need to take courageous action in the face of insults and fearful circumstances? Do you trust that God will fight for you and with you? Remember, God’s opinion is the only one that matters.

If you’d like me to pray with you, maybe there is a giant that keeps you locked up in fear, and doesn’t want you to see your circumstance from God’s perspective, than just press the Icon on top of this blog where it says Prayer.  I promise I will lift you up to Him who is Mighty.

Also, if you’re a ‘Follower’ to this blog and receive it by email, you may not be getting the music video at the end of each blog.  If you’d like to hear it, I recommend you go online and look at the blog, you’ll be able to link into it.  If someone out there knows how to help me to correct the problem, let me know.

……..“for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands”      

Here is today’s music video, enjoy!