Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve Paraugs

Your Story is Your Weapon

King Saul and all of Israel were terrified at the words of their enemy, Goliath. The warriors of Israel were on the ropes, intimidated, and woefully weak in their own eyes.

You know how this story goes. A shepherd boy named David, sent to the battle to resupply his brothers, heard the insults coming from the giant's mouth, and his heart shifted into a gear no one else was seemingly capable of finding in theirs. David won the battle for Israel, and as a result, the name of God was once again exalted among the nations.

Where did David get this courage? What made him think he would survive such an encounter? The answer lies in the history he recounted. David told the King, "Let no man's heart fail because of Goliath. Your servant will go out against him." King Saul protested, but David silenced his argument, saying, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the bear and the lion will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

Look at David's response to Goliath when he met him on the battlefield. "You come to me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today, the Lord will give you into my hand, and I will strike you down that all the assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's."

David's faith-filled responses flowed from his first-hand experience with God. In the face of fear, he responded by recounting what he knew about God.

Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the enemy with three things: the blood of Jesus, the word of our testimony, and not loving our lives, even unto death. Remember, your testimony is a weapon in your mouth!

Question: When faced with difficult circumstances, are you quick to recall the faithfulness of God in your life, or do you become paralyzed with fear?

Prayer: King of Kings, your power is far greater than any enemy or circumstance I may encounter. I choose to trust You in every area, big and small. Let the words of David resound in my heart and mind today, "The Battle is the Lord's!" In Jesus' name, Amen!

Special Assignment: You can train your heart to turn to the Lord when faced with difficulty. Part of this process involves recounting God's faithful works out loud or in writing. Today, take a moment to read Psalm 18 out loud, aiming the truths contained in it at your most challenging situations. Read it with the authority of Christ ringing loud and clear!