WHEN A CHALLENGE COMES BEFORE US, PART 2

Image result for CLIPART OF FIVE SMOOTH STONESDavid has overheard the men speaking of the lavish benefits for the one who would kill Goliath.  David's eldest brother, Eliab is in the group of men, and he derides David for his boldness in speaking of Goliath.    1 Samuel 17:28 speaks of the ugly contempt of Eliab for David.  Immediately, it is easy to see the root of his contempt toward David, jealousy and judgmental spirits are masquerading as anger. Remember he is present when Samuel anoints David.  I don't sense he is rejoicing for David's destiny as king of Israel after Saul dies. 

David's bold question, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God." is repeated to Saul by the men.  Saul, the once brave warrior, sends for David.  David states confidently that he will go and fight the Philistine.  Since Saul's discouraging words do not seem to bother David, then Saul gives his armor to David. (I guess ole Saul is trying to relieve his conscience because this youth will be killed by the giant, who is a veteran warrior.)  David tries on the armor, and chooses to not use the 
armor.  Instead, Scripture records that "he took his stick in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones...and put them in his shepherd's bag...and his sling was in his hand."  David is adept at using his sling with deadly accuracy for he has already killed a lion and a bear which attacked his lambs from his flock of sheep.  

Goliath faces David with his personal armor bearer in front of him...one wonders why the armor bearer since he is the giant?  I love David's confident words to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have taunted....for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hands."  Sure enough, David uses one stone and his sling and strikes the giant in the forehead.  While he is down, David uses Goliath's own sword to remove Goliath's head and he takes all Goliath's weapons.  The response of the Philistines:  they ran away! 
  
 As usual, I am verbose and have several thoughts from past and present experiences in being confronted with challenges:   
  • Prepare to "hunker down" in the Word of God, for you may be in the challenge for awhile, until God says you are done or until His purpose for the challenge has been fulfilled.  John 15:9
  •  The Spirit of God reminds me to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness from Matthew 6:33
  • Every challenge is meant to grow me spiritually and for my spiritual welfare.  Romans 8:28
  • My confidence is in the Lord, Colossians 2:15, "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."  
  • I am more than a conqueror, regardless of the size of my challenge and some have been eye-poping large. Romans 8:37, "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." 
  • More than any personal victory, I must desire pleasing and glorifying Lord God.   Forever learning, in process!  #IHAVETHREESONS 

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