I've had the pleasure and privilege of attending FOUR births already this year! Being a doula is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. Getting to watch a couple become parents, usually for the first time, is such a blessing. All the love and joy and wonder makes my heart so happy, and full. The goodness of a birth keeps me going when the world is so corrupt and sadness threatens to rob me of hope. Instead of being filled with despair as I watch the news, I find myself looking back at birth pictures. My hope is restored, and I can smile again.
I was actually overcome with emotion this morning as I worked with Kellah on her school work. We were reading the story of David and Goliath, very familiar to me since I grew up knowing how the young boy bravely went to fight the nine-foot man towering over him. Showing no signs of fear or worry, without a shadow of doubt in his mind or heart, David seems to be filled with a supernatural courage, boldly telling the giant HE would fall. Throwing off King Saul's oversized armor and ignoring the warnings of his impending doom from the onlooking soldiers, David grabs five little stones and pulls his sling shot out of his pocket. He marches up to Goliath, who continues to belt out threats and promises of death.
David's confidence may catch us off guard.
BUT, if we would listen to his words, we should be even more taken aback.
You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HEAVEN'S ARMIES - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head.
Like I said, David had NO fear.
He wasn't looking at Goliath's size or his armor or his sword.
He wasn't listening to Goliath's booming voice.
Instead, David was focused on GOD alone.
David KNEW what God had done in the past and trusted Him COMPLETELY to come through for him yet again as he faced the giant.
David remembered God's promises and let those play over and over in his mind.
David believed God would give him victory and walked straight to battle, confident of the outcome.
As if David's statement about cutting off Goliath's head wasn't audiacious enough, the young shepherd boy goes on...
And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD RESCUES HIS PEOPLE, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and He will give you to us!
This wasn't about David at all.
He wasn't on a mission to prove his strength or valor.
He wasn't trying to gain anyone's approval.
He wasn't on a power trip.
Rather, he was ALL about letting everyone know how great and powerful GOD is.
His purpose in facing the giant was not to showcase his abilities, but to highlight GOD'S faithfulness, goodness, majesty, and to bring Him massive amounts of glory.
How often do we face "giants" in our lives?
EVERY day.
How many times do we respond in fear or let worry overtake us or doubt set in?
How many times do we look at the problem instead of the God who promises to be an "ever present help" in our moment of need?
How many times do we listen to the naysayers rather than remembering God's Word where we are assured victory and already proclaimed more than overcomers?
How many times do we rely on our own abilities or strengths and melt as we think only about how far we fall short instead of letting God's Spirit fill us with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead?
How many times do we run through all the "what ifs," assuming failure before we have even prayed to the Maker of heaven and earth, the God of angel's armies, who NEVER wavers, NEVER falls short, but ALWAYS achieves His plans and purposes, every single time?
What if we were more like David?!
Before we go and talk about how he was this great king, let's remember at THIS point in David's life, he was a boy, too young to fight as a soldier. He was a mere shepherd, sent by his father to take bread and cheese to his older brothers who were supposed to be the strong, capable warriors. He was the youngest in his family. The ONLY thing that qualified David to go and face Goliath was his FAITH.
Funny, that's all WE need today.
I don't know what giants you are facing today.
BUT, I do know God is with you AND He has already declared the victory.
Pick up your stone.
Look straight ahead.
Be bold and confident, not in yourself, but in the LORD.
And OVERCOME whatever giant stands in the way of you doing what God has called you to and BEING who God has created you to be.
I'd love to pray for you as you go into battle.
And then I would love to celebrate with you as you share what the Lord does and how HE worked and moved to bring about His plans and purposes in your life.
