Page 29 - June 2015 Catalyst

“dismayed and afraid” as Goliath de- fied them (1 Samuel 17:11 & 16). What made David different? What compelled him to rise to the occasion and win the victory for God’s glory?
The bottom line was that David had a clear conviction and confidence about his great moments and what they had revealed to him about his great God. The other soldiers of Israel either had no such great moments or had completely negated them. Thus, they had no com- pulsion to act in bold courage for the sake of the name of the God of Israel. They were immobilized and unable to confront Goliath. They compromised the honor God’s name.
Earlier in the story, David was ques- tioned by King Saul about his determi- nation to fight Goliath. David’s desire was disdained by his colleagues and doubted by Saul. In their minds, David was naive, young, and inexperienced. David’s mind was captured by another reality. He explained to Saul:
“’Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied
the armies of the living God.’ Moreover David said, ’The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you!’” (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
David’s conclusion that he should take on Goliath, and his confidence in doing so, was based on his great moments of God delivering him from the lion and the bear. God had power to also deliver him from the defiant Philistine. Saul had the wisdom to recognize that the key to David’s success would be that his God would be with him in His presence and power.
Are you facing any “Goliaths” today? Is there an enemy of your soul that threatens to defy the honor of God in your life? Is there a costly decision to be made? Are you at a crossroads requiring new and profound trust?
Rehearse the work of God in your life in days past. Reaffirm His specific provi- sion. Remember the important lessons. Reassure your heart through the lens of this reality. For the sake of His name, trust Him and move ahead resolutely. He is your great God and the provider of great moments, for His glory.
Copyright © 2015 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.
what defined the difference?
what aBout you?
June 2015
CityLight.org 29