Facing Giants #5 - Run to the Battle
| David said to the Philistine, "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. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 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." 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. (1Samuel17:45-49) |
David is zealous. He is passionate. He is incensed at Goliath's arrogance. Not only does he move toward Goliath, but he runs!
He runs passionately and confidently.
He grabs a stone from his bag.
Loads it in His sling.
He's running fast - he's swinging.
He's passionate. He's focused. He's adamant.
His picture of God is so big that Goliath is small.
And when it's like that... You don't miss!
Some say that God made the stone fly straight and true...
And that may be...
But I think the real miracle was that David's heart was strong and true.
Fear would have bound and stunted the skill that was in him.
But with God in His heart David became all he could be!!!
David teaches us to stay true to what we are good at.
But we learn more from his heart...
- His eyes were on God.
- His ambition was God's glory.
- His confidence was God's victory.
And so his best was his very best and the giant fell!
What about us?
We need to play to our strengths and be authentically ourselves.
But our God-given skills and talents can be stunted by fear.
We need a big picture of God!
Our zealousness for God's honour is an indication of the significance we will achieve.
Will we sit still when God's honour is at stake?
I hope not!
