Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
1 Samuel 17:45
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Have you faced any giants lately? Maybe you are up against a big one today. Impossible battles can leave us feeling like winning is not an option, but David reminds us that a 9 foot soldier with 125 pounds of armor is no match for the Lord’s Army.
Day after day the Philistine soldiers taunted the Israelites on the battlefield causing great fear and intimidation. But for a young shepherd boy visiting his big brothers among the ranks, this was a no brainer. David knew his God was bigger and began to ask,“Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”(1 Samuel 17:26b). In typical sibling fashion, David’s big brother responded, “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of?” (1 Samuel 17:28)
Discouragement is disarmed when God’s Truth becomes the reality we live in today. Neither the size of the giant nor the criticism of others could stop David from trusting in his Mighty God. He is our Mighty God too!
David walked and talked with the Lord. He had seen God at work in his life before in many mighty ways. “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”(1 Samuel 17:37). This faith statement is evidence of the strength and courage that grow in us when we get to know the Living God. A daily relationship with the Lord is more than a checklist obligation; it is our new identity! We can walk into all circumstances with a Living Hope. In Christ we are no longer just a smelly shepherd who belongs back in the fields. We are a Child of God! To every battle we come in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
David took down Goliath with only a sling and a stone.
What if David had believed he was only a shepherd? What if David had believed that God could only rescue people from lions and bears? What if David had believed that only swords could take down giants? Only was Enough.
There is only One True God and the battle belongs to Him (1 Samuel 17:47). May David’s battle cry become our own the next time we face a giant: “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I trust you with my battles. You are the Mighty God who fights on my behalf. In you Jesus I remain unshakable in all circumstances. Though the battle may feel hard and trying at times, I cling to you my Rock who defeats the enemy. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Romans 5:1- Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ