God's warrior

TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 17:32-51
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.

shine!
Jason