Continuing Thought for the Week [5.19.21]
I Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck Goliath and killed him. – I Samuel 17:50
As I said yesterday, the story of David is probably a very familiar story to most of you reading this email. However, I want us to look at this story and it’s scenes this week in a different light in regard to how they apply to us in our everyday lives.
This week we are taking a look at these 4 simple scenarios:
1. David was chosen by God to be anointed as King.
2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly.
3. David had faith, confidence and courage.
4. David was a prophet, a king and a priest.
Today let’s look at scenario number two: 2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly. The story of David and Goliath may be one of the most popular bible stories of all time, or at least it is one of the most well known. What’s amazing about this story is, David unknowingly was developing his faith, courage and skill on the back side of a mountain, not knowing that one day he would use that faith, courage and skill to ultimately defeat the giant, Goliath and eventually become king of Israel. David fought lions and bears with his bare hands. And, when it came to conquering the giant, David gives all of the credit and all of the glory to God, concerning the triumphal defeats of these stray animals that were trying to attack and kill the sheep that he was attending to for his father. David was an example of a good shepherd. Anyway, David was developing in private what was about to be displayed in public. When he took out his slingshot and took down the giant, I’m sure it wasn’t the first time that he had ever used it. How many starry nights do you think David looked up at the sky and prayed to God? How many times do you think David practiced the skill of using his slingshot? Don’t underestimate what you are doing right now. Don’t underestimate where you are right now. God doesn’t waste anything! He is using it all to develop your faith, your courage and your skill. He has a plan and a purpose. A time for everything under the sun. Don’t despise what you are doing. Develop your faith, courage and skill. You don’t know what giant may be lying ahead for you to defeat and conquer. God may be developing you in private to display His glory in public… be faithful!
Here are 4 things to consider:
- David tended to his fathers sheep faithfully and God was faithful to him.
- David developed a relationship with God, that ultimately developed him.
- David was faithful to take cheese and bread to the battlefield where the Israelites were battling the Philistines and fearing Goliath. And, because of that, he ultimately ended up defeating the giant.
- David displayed faith and responded with courage. David had developed his faith, courage and skill. He had faith in God and confidence in his ability, but it took courage to release the stone in faith towards the giant.
You can have all of the faith in the world, but if you don’t have the courage to act upon what you believe, you will never see the result you are looking for!
