David Vs. Goliath - You Have Been Challenged!
Life will challenge you. What are you going to do about it?
4 The Philistine army had a hero named Goliath who was from the town of Gath and was over nine feet tall. 5-6 He wore a bronze helmet and had bronze armor to protect his chest and legs. The chest armor alone weighed about one hundred twenty-five pounds. He carried a bronze sword strapped on his back, 7 and his spear was so big that the iron spearhead alone weighed more than fifteen pounds. A soldier always walked in front of Goliath to carry his shield.
8 Goliath went out and shouted to the army of Israel:
Why are you lining up for battle? I’m the best soldier in our army, and all of you are in Saul’s army. Choose your best soldier to come out and fight me! 9 If he can kill me, our people will be your slaves. But if I kill him, your people will be our slaves. 10 Here and now I challenge Israel’s whole army! Choose someone to fight me!
11 Saul and his men heard what Goliath said, but they were so frightened of Goliath that they couldn’t do a thing.
The Philistines and the Israelites were lifelong enemies. Battling each other was nothing new. So when Saul, King of Israel, lines his troops up to do battle, he wasn't expecting a 9-foot giant to come out and challenge his troops.
You go through life every day. You get up in the morning and have a good idea of the challenges you are going to face. A child that isn't doing well in school. A boss who is expecting more than you can give. A spouse who is on the verge of walking out. You line up to face your challenges and then BAM! A Giant challenges you. Something so big it makes everything else in your life look like child's play.
This 9 foot of a nasty attitude had only one thing on its mind. Death. He terrified his enemies with massive armor, a terrible sword, and a huge spear. His goal was to strike fear and intimidation into the hearts of Israel. Mission accomplished. They were terrified.
What is your 9-foot giant today? What is striking fear in your heart? What is intimidate you? I find that giants can be real and imaginary at the same time. Real could be a terminal diagnosis from a doctor. A pink slip from your employer. A phone call with bad news. Goliath was real, no doubt. But his bravado was all hype. Imaginary.
Whatever your Goliath is, it has never had the right to determine the outcome of your life. It is screaming death, divorce, bankruptcy, heartbreak, failure, and doom on your life. NO - just no!
God is the one who has the last word over your life. He has a plan, and He has mapped out your journey. He knew that these Goliaths would show up. He knew that they would challenge you. But if you will choose to place your faith in Him and reject the rantings of your Goliath you will be victorious.
Years ago I knew someone who had little use for church or any desire to place their faith in God. That was until the doctor called. Months, maybe a year was the diagnoses. What were they going to do? They recharted the course of their life to face this Goliath, but not alone. They placed their faith in God and faced death with faith, not defeat. In the end, they made it clear for all to know. Golitah never did win. He was a defeated foe. Fear never ruled the day and they were ready to meet Jesus.
So what is your challenge?
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to face my fears today with the faith you put in my heart. AMEN
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