Tackling Giants.......

David hurried toward Goliath.  Amazing!  He HURRIED toward a giant--a giant with weapons!  When was the last time I hurried towards any problem of mine?  What can I learn from little David?

Goliath was challenging the Israelites.  He was in their territory.  He taunted them.  He cried out twice a day, morning and evening with his threats instilling fear in the whole army and nation.  My problems cry out to me daily.  The most persistent problems are in my territory---my family, my home, my job, my own heart.  Sin and unbelief taunt me daily, often more than twice a day.

The Israelite army was afraid.  The daily taunts, the size of the giant, his weapons....all struck fear.  The worries I have, the things I think I cannot handle, the broken places in the lives of those I love...all seem too BIG and scary and they taunt me and frighten me.  Daily I look at these problems and shiver in fear.

David's brothers and the rest of the Israelite army saw Goliath as a physical threat.  They saw a need to fight in an earthly sense.  They wanted an earthly hero.  Each man wanted someone else to rise to the challenge.

"Coincidentally" Jesse, David's father sends him on an errand right at that time.  David is sent to bring some snacks to his brothers in the army at the battle front just in time to see and hear Goliath's threat.
How often has God purposed something in my life to just "happen" at the exact moment when He has a plan for me that I don't even see yet?  David could have complained at the interruption to his shepherding duties and the need to find someone to cover his flocks while he took this journey.  He went and he found someone to take care of the sheep in his absence.

Aside:  Ever wonder why Saul doesn't fight Goliath?  After all he was the mighty king!  He was well known for his battle prowess.  What scared him off?  What had changed in his view of life?  Did his attitude as leader infect his army?

David spoke boldly to Goliath despite the mocking and lack of support from even his own brothers.  David's confidence was in the Lord God Almighty.  Although I claim to have faith and confidence, do I speak boldly?

David HURRIED toward Goliath and the enemy army!  Do I hurry, confident in faith that the Lord will provide success?  Imagine hurrying into trouble!  Hurrying towards a giant!

When God "coincidentally" puts us in a position to speak His Word, or do His Work I need to hurry forward and speak boldly. If a fourteen year old shepherd who was resented by his brothers and seen as insignificant even in his own family had enough faith to rush boldly forward and slay a giant, how can I hold back?  I Samuel 17:  45--47