November 2006

In our services recently at Castle Hill we have been looking at the life of David. This is a man who, as a teenager was a humble shepherd, became a national hero by defeating the giant Goliath (when all his countrymen had fled) and later became King of Israel – God’s chosen nation. I have been thinking about the lesson of his attitude during the middle one of those roles.

David’s attitude to the problem of Goliath was markedly different to everyone else’s. His approach was considerably dissimilar from the tough guys on the front line of the army, and they were convinced that he was just a stupid kid who was about to be taught a very painful lesson. But what neither Goliath nor David’s compatriots understood though was that God was with David. The boy knew this and he knew what such an all-mighty presence meant. Whilst everyone else could only see a problem too big to handle, David eyed a target impossible to miss. Because God’s hand was upon David, and because David did exactly what he knew God wanted him to do, the victory was his, the giant fell, the supposedly insurmountable problem was over and victory belonged to the people of God.

It is unlikely in the streets of our towns today that we will come across 3 metre high giants challenging us to a sword fight. But we will come across problems seemingly too big to handle.
Not many of us will encounter situations where every single person around us is too scared to respond and, as the smallest and weakest person present, victory is left to us to fight for. But we might feel very much alone in confronting some of life’s challenges.
Not often will we experience the absolute isolation that this ‘kid’ felt as, apparently single-handedly, he strode out to the battle field. But the isolation of feeling abandoned by those we thought better of might be more common.

In all of these situations the message for us is to look at David’s example. He knew that God was with him –always. He knew what God wanted him to do and he committed himself to going and living in the way that proved God’s presence and power, whatever others may say.

When you feel alone God is with you, His word the bible promises that He never leaves us nor forsakes us. When you feel under attack, God is with you, the bible promises that He holds us in the palm of His hand. And when you feel small and weak and unable to cope against the giants facing you God is with you. His promise is that even the smallest amount of faith will be rewarded by Him.

Our task is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. To look to His teaching and example and try to live as closely to God as He did. Our task is to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. And, like David, we can leave Him to win the victory for us.

May God bless you and equip you for all of life’s challenges.

Peter