If you've never read the great stories about David, check out First and Second Samuel. David was a man after God's own heart! He faced every sinless time in his life knowing God was on his side. (David, like the rest of us had his sinful side too. When he chose to follow his own will instead of God's plan, but those are other events.)
When he faced the giant Goliath, "David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come today in the name of The Lord Almighty, the God of the army of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know there is a God in Israel."
1 Samuel 17:45 & 46 (NIV)
David knew he wasn't facing that giant alone! No believer has to face any of his foes alone. Once we've accepted Jesus Christ we become a new creation created in His image. The Holy Spirit inside is there to direct and guide. God promises to never leave or forsake us, even through death.
A few years ago I had this tough little Boston Terrier dog. Boogie faced every day with zeal and enthusiasm-he was a a dog I'm sure God gave me to inspire and cheer me on in the rough spots of life. (You can read more about him in my book, Let's Really Live Before we Die! Just email me at:kathlenefisher@yahoo.com. I'll send you the details.)
One day a big Rottweiler dog came into our yard. This bad boy weighed close to 200 pounds. Boogie spotted him almost immediately. Boogies hair on his back stood straight up, his eyes bugged out a little farther than normal and he began to growl. The guy next door warned me, "Lady, you better calm your dog down; that Rottweiler will bite him in half."
A gut wrenching sensation went through me as that big dog growled back at my little 18 pound Boogie. That was all it took, Boogie ran right up under that 200 pound bad boy; nailed him in the gonads. Bloodied Brutus went running home to papa. After that that big old dog never even came close to our yard again to do his business.
We will all face trials and temptations in our lives. Most of us will suffer from some kind of physical hardship before our time on earth is complete. Often we just need to approach our fears relying on God. Then tackle the problem with your best shot first. Continue the fight with grace, faith and peace on your side, 'til we meet again on the other side.
Like the great leaders of the Bible I hope we can all say: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well feed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Enjoy the journey. Learn and Love much it's worth the pain, for His gain. Hope you have a great day! Love ya, :)
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
