Quiet Moments With God -- Number 81

Last Saturday, I had such a great time watching my oldest grandson, Corey, play football. He's eleven and weighs in at seventy-two pounds--the littlest guy on the team.

He plays center for offense and on defense he plays right tackle. It's hard to imagine, a boy his size taking the position of defensive lineman, but all seventy-two pounds of this boy are a lean, mean, fighting machine. I watched again and again as he punched his way through #81, and then did his best to bring down whoever had the ball. Corey's small but courageous and determined. Number 81 was twice Corey's size, but that didn't deter my grandson. He had a job to do and a goal, and he went after it.

While I watched I got to thinking about David and how he went up against a giant Phillistine warrior called Goliath. David was a boy, but he knew what needed to be done and had confidence that he could do it. When others tried to deter him, he didn't back down. He explained how his experience protecting sheep with club and sling had prepared him to fight and that he was certain God would protect him. King Saul was convinced and gave him a chance to bring down the giant.

When the soldiers tried to convince David to wear heavy armor, he refused. He knew how to fight this battle. God had rescued him from the claws of the bear and the lion and he would rescue him from the Phllistine and so he refused to wear the armor. Instead of sword and spear he picked up five smooth stones and went out to meet the Phillistine.

He was confident, prepared and trusted his protector. He said to Goliath, "You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies--the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head."

Talk about confidence. He had no doubt that God would destroy the enemy. And so, with his sling and a stone, he brought down Goliath. He did what most would consider impossible.

I love this story. What a beautiful picture of how to do battle. While David watched over the sheep did he know he was destined for greatness? I doubt it. Did he understand that every battle was part of the preparation for his future? Probably not. In the same way, the battles we face today prepare us for tomorrow. Let us do our best to keep a Godly perspective on our present circumstances and remember that God knows where we're headed and what we need in order to be prepared.

Trust God. Be ready for battle. And stand up to your Goliath's. If we will do this, then just as David did we will display the power of God. It is a privilege to honor him before those who watch to see if God is who He says He is.


Grace and peace to you from God.


Bonnie