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In Order. Felling Giants

April 12, 2017. I Samuel 15-17.

 

Most people are probably familiar with the story of David and Goliath that is recorded in today’s chronological reading through the Bible. It is the kind of story that inspires and fills the reader with the hope of doing great things. But did you ever notice the importance of the following verses in regards to David’s miraculous victory over the giant? The truths recorded in these verses were keys to David's success over Goliath.

 

17:34 But David persisted. “When I am taking care of my father’s sheep,” he said, “and a lion or a bear comes and grabs a lamb from the flock, 35 I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If it turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. 36 I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this heathen Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 The Lord who saved me from the claws and teeth of the lion and the bear will save me from this Philistine!” (TLB)

 

Before David slew the giant Goliath he first implemented these five measures and practices in his life. Before you defeat that giant in your life, whether it be cancer, marital struggles, financial disaster or a family tragedy, learn from this simple shepherd boy, who one day would become a mighty warrior and successful king.

When I am taking care of my father’s sheep. First, notice his daily action. Are you taking care of your heavenly Father’s business?

I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. Are you caring for the innocent and defenseless, those who cannot help themselves? Are you using the weapons that God has given you? Start there. Give. Go. Get involved!

I have done this to both lions and bears. Be consistent. This was who David was, not only what David did. If you ever want to have victory over the giants in your life, you must be consistent in fighting the smaller battles. Defeat that bad habit today and tomorrow’s giant will not seem so overwhelming.

And I will do it to this heathen Philistine too. When you experience the victory in the smaller skirmishes of life, your faith in God, His power, and His deliverance will grow. It is that growth in faith that will give you the courage to address the giant in your way.

Recognize the cause. In the King James Version, a detail of this story is recorded using these words; “17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (KJV)  The final thought is to recognize the godly reason or cause for fighting. Once you know the righteous cause, it will be the moment that you allow room for God to work His miracle through your life.

Keep fighting. Keep believing. Keep seeing God as greater than any giant in your life. Victory is yours, because of who God is and what He has done for you and will do for you.