Pastor's Ponderings, March 14, 2016

Don't Be Afraid Of Goliath!

Recently my youngest daughter introduced me to a wonderful presentation on YouTube by best selling author and speaker Malcolm Gladwell who spoke on the “The unheard story of David and Goliath.” His marvelous conclusion was that unlike the common knowledge that David was at a disadvantage fighting Goliath, actually David was in a superior position with his slingshot and rocks.  Although he appeared bigger and stronger, Goliath never had a chance. David picked up five stones perhaps in case the first one missed he had four other chances to defeat Goliath.

What does this mean for the Christian today that is facing unimagined problems? It is crucial that those who love the Lord remember that whatever problem we face, we always have the advantage.  Our faith must in the Lord, and we have to remember our God’s faithfulness.

The Bible says that God always causes us to succeed (2 Corinthians 2:14).  David had a slingshot, but God also gives us mighty weapons against modern enemies such as negative thoughts, fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, or uncertainty (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  We can pray with and for others (Matthew 18:19), knowing that He will hear us, heal us, and answer all of our prayers (Psalm 107:20, 1 John 5:14, 15).  It may not be when we want it and it may not be the way we want it to be, but it will be what is the best for us.

Who is your Goliath? What do you think is insurmountable? Take a moment and hand it over to God.  Your prayers are your secret weapons.  God can handle any challenge you are facing!

2 Corinthians 2:14
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man.
4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

Psalm 107:20

New International Version (NIV)

20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave

Matthew 18:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven

1 John 5:14-15
New International Version (NIV)

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.