David was a man that God announced through a challenge. Challenges are greatness in disguise. Students face challenges of attending classes and writing exams to get certificate. A pregnant woman faces challenges of body changes and delivery pain to reproduce a being (child/children). Life is full of challenges and ups and downs. Our perspective to it is very important, they are there to make us better and live gloriously.
I Samuel 17 is a very popular story about David and Goliath, and I want to suggest that you read it. Because it is the first time an individual, a stripling will confront a challenging battle and prevailed, this he did in the name of the Lord. I Sam 17:56 kjv.
REFLECT: With what are you confronting your battle/s?
There are lessons to learn from the story of David; It can be of great help this year.
The first thing is that, David was obedient. If his father had sent him and he had formed busy with the sheep as his brother Eliab pointed out, what would have happened? I Samuel 17: 16-20.
This year, ensure to obey all of God’s instructions and be ready to stay connected with Him. Wherever He send you is where you should go.
Secondly, He was focused. He ignored destructive criticism from his brother and also the demeaning critic of Goliath. I Samuel 17:28-29; 43-51
Many will criticise you, but stay with God. Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Hebrews 12:2. If He says “Go!” please obey. I remember a time when God told me to purchase a material, I did and afterwards, the value dropped drastically. I was so bitter, but God told me, He is teaching me how to sow in time of famine. Honestly! I find it difficult to understand, until few days later when the value increased. It was then it began to make meaning to me. In Genesis 26, the Bible says Isaac sowed during famine and that same year, he reaped a hundredfold. We will discuss more about this in the next series (JOY IN SOWING).
No 3, He was specific in his words. He chose his words wisely. Your confession in time of confusion is the conclusion of your condition. Let the Word of God dwell richly in you. Colossians 3:16a; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom… Joshua 1:8. David said exactly what he experienced. Whenever you have challenges, draw from the well of the Word of God in you, mind your words, choose your words carefully and by faith.
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
The last point we will discuss is that David was intentional. If we read through I Samuel 16, by the time David was faced with the battle, he had been anointed as king, but have to wait till the appointed time. David was not looking for an opportunity to “blow”, he was only concerned about the kingdom (Israel). What is the problem God has called you to solve? Be intentional with it. Be concerned about the Kingdom (Heaven).
2021 is a year of joy, recovery and abundance…but that joy does not mean the absence of irregularities, rather the ability to be joyful even in unpleasant situations.
When challenges come, face it headlong with God and let your confession be consistently firm.
May the Lord give you joy all-round in Jesus name.
In the next series, we will study an interesting topic; The Imitating Glory Part III – JOY IN SOWING
Click here for series 1
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