OCTOBER 19

1 Samuel 17:37-43

                           DAVID

David was a brave shepherd boy who loved God. People thought he was “only a shepherd”, but he was more than that – he was a firm believer in God and a brave defender of the flocks under his care. He had tasted of God’s goodness as the Lord protected him and the sheep from various wild animals.

The passage for today tells us of an unlikely scenario – he was bringing food for his brothers who were soldiers in King Saul’s army. When he approached their camp, he was shocked to see Israelite soldiers fearful of an enemy giant – Goliath – and he decided that with God’s help, he’d fight this giant!

To prepare David for the fight, King Saul wanted to suit David with the usual armor but as the passage reminds us, David preferred not to. Instead, he went with just his sling and 5 small stones. To the military world, that must be suicidal, for Goliath was a huge, fierce, powerful and experienced warrior! And David – he was but a boy. But they forgot David’s secret weapon. What was it?

David had faith.He believed that God would be with him as he approached the towering giant. And we know how this account ended – David killed Goliath with the flinging of just one stone straight into the enemy’s forehead.
You and I now fight no giant. But we still war against the enemies of good Christian living: selfishness, anger, impatience. The list goes on. Let us be like David, to trust that God will help. As David fought in a way different from what others would expect, so we are to be. If it would seem natural to be angry for something wrong done against us, let us learn to be kind. If it would seem natural to be selfish and think of ourselves before others, let us learn to remember the song: Jesus first, then others, then you!

Thought: Faith in God changes things and, more importantly, me!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me how to recognize that often, I need to be changed and to dare to have faith in You to fight against my selfishness, pride or anger. In Jesus’ name - Amen.