Devotional

“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’ As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.” 1 Samuel 17:40-50

Goliath was no pushover. His presence on the battlefield made the Israelites cower in fear. Being over 9 feet tall, he had the physique to back up his threats. This worried the king, along with David’s older brothers, each looking for excuses not to fight him. David was the only one who was not intimidated by this Philistine. Although David had defended his sheep from bears and lions, it was not in his abilities that he was confident. It was his faith in the God of angel armies. David was defending God’s honor against the enemy that mocked Him and His people.

There will be seasons in your life that you will have to fight to defend those you love. It may not be a battle to the death, but you will stand up for what is right. It may not be resolved right away, for everything happens in God’s time, not ours. There may be extended periods of suffering. Have faith in the God of angel armies, for He has gone before us, and He has won the victory. No matter the circumstance, do not let your faith waver. God has never let me down, neither will He let you down. God will fight for you, and He will win.

Prayer

Lord, I face days where the battle seems too great for me. Life’s pressures and problems loom high above me and glare down at me in insult. The world’s standards dictate my demise. By any logical outlook, I do not stand a chance, all odds are against me. But You, O Lord, tower above it all. From your mighty perch you command heavenly armies to fight at my side. You surround me and hem me in your protection. I am not alone on this battlefield. You are with me. You are for me. And You will fight the battle.

Scripture Memorization

Deuteronomy 20:4 “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs