Scripture: I Samuel 17; Ephesians 6:10-18
We are never alone. It is not by our own strength that we overcome. These are times when the love of many has waxed cold and the enemy pursues to influence evil. Through all that life will bring we must embrace the fact that all of our strength and our present help comes from God the Almighty.
People of faith know to pray and to seek God first. In I Samuel 17, David refused to let any man determine who he was or his capabilities. He was willing to take the stand that The Battle is the Lord’s. David had heard that Goliath, the giant of the Philistines, was at battle with Israel. David was one who never ran from trouble, he faced it. He had heard the defiant attitude of Goliath and his disrespect to the God of Israel. David did not think highly of any man who spoke against God and his people.
The men of Israel did not show much confidence in David because he was ruddy and young, not as big as Goliath, six cubits and a span. They failed to realized that it is not the stature of a man that determines his fate or victory against the enemy. It is his faith in God that gives the man victory.
Goliath was dressed in heavy battle attire. He had a helmet of brass upon his head, armed with a coat of mail and his coat was of heavy brass. Saul armed David in armor, a helmet of brass and a coat of mail. However David was not comfortable in this attire because he had not proved it. David was familiar with the land and the elements of the earth.
Goliath taunted David because of his stature, his choice of weapons and his devoted faith. David proclaimed in confidence that he come before him “in the name of the Lord of host, who thou has defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee in mine hand…” David took no personal credit for the victory. He had the stronger weapon. He acknowledged the power of God. He acknowledged who was really in charge. He took five smooth stones and slew the Philistine with one stone.
Instead of running from his enemy, he faced him. We must learn to face the enemy. He will flee from. “Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil, and he will fee from you.” In Ephesians, Paul taught of the believer’s spiritual armor. We never take off our armor. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit and pray always.” Jesus has prepared us to be ready for the enemy. The Battle is the Lord’s tells us that we must trust him for the victory.
When comforted with the daily challenges that can cause you to fear, become discouraged or doubt, pray and embrace the power of salvation that is in you. Jesus Christ defeated every weapon that evil will present to you. Believe at all times, that the enemy is defeated in all things because of the glorious salvation in Christ and all power belong to God. May we have continuing confidence to believe that The Battle is the Lord’s. Give God your heart and spirit.
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From the Path of Righteousness Church in Christ.
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