Good day. If you have been following the DUMC 2004 Bible Reading Plan so far, give yourself a pat at the back. Reading the Bible together with your CG and the whole church in sync, you are able to think about the same passage, meditate on the same passage, share your thoughts on the same passage.
Today, we read 1 Sam 17 together. It is a very familiar story that even non-Christians are familiar with it. David versus Goliath. The same story has been told numerous times. References have been made to this in many occasions. It is a one-sided contest in which we do not even give a second thought who will emerge the winner. Yet, the outcome is not as expected. David versus Goliath is a timeless underdog overcoming overwhelming obstacles.
Goliath was imposing, menacing, and intimidating. His presence caused fear to spread among the Israelites. No one dared to take him on. A young David, so happened to be there, decided to confront this man who openly mocked his God. He was not going to stand there and let it happen. No armours or weapons suited him. The could not find XS. He went ahead with his sling. And his faith. It took but one pebble to down the giant.
We often meet Goliaths in our life. Some meet them more often than others. Some of us just turn around and try to move away quietly, hoping the giant does not pursue us. Some of us rush headlong towards the enemy just to be be swat away like a fly. The lesson we can learn from David is to depend on God. When we put our faith in God, we tone down the fear. Faith conquers fear. Fear may still be there but it no longer has a hold on us. It does not paralyze us. It does not control us. We can march ahead in faith.
As Christians, we walk in victory. We get strength by trusting in God. We do not look at the physical limitations, the overwhelming odds, nor the hopeless situation. We look to God.
God works through his children in unexpected way. We get courage from relying on him and not leaning on our own understanding.
When it comes to God, expect the unexpected.
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