Prayer Journal
Monday, October 16, 2000
"Then the Philistine said, 'This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.' On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified." 1 Sam 17:10,11
The giant from Gath was over nine feet tall and not just intimidating the army of Israel, as champion, he represented the hope of his people. For forty days, he came forward in the morning and evening and sought his equal to step forward and meet him on the battlefield.
Enter David, the shepherd boy. Against insurmountable odds he took the challenge and met Goliath to do battle. What was his answer to the giant's threat? "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 defiled. All those gathered here will know that 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." 1 Sam 17:45,47
In the years that followed David's victory over Goliath his reputation for bravery was legendary. In fact, facing and overcoming incredible odds seemed to become David's legacy.
Scripture says that the Lord was with David in everything he did, bringing him great success. (Cp 1 Sam 18:14) Even Saul, who later became David's nemesis, asked David to bravely fight the battles of the Lord in his stead. (Cp 18:17)
David knew that victory came through appropriating God's power, rather than through his own strength. Any bravery he showed was a reflection of his faith in God to come through on his behalf. Later in his life David wrote, "The Lord is my light and salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Ps 27:1
I encourage you today with the reminder that David's strength is our strength and David's bravery is our bravery when our battles "are the Lord's":
"Not by a sword will victory come, but in the Name of God's mighty Son. It's not what I've done or where I stand but who He is and whose I am." Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
