Fear Derailed
Previously this bold teenager had rescued sheep from lions' mouths -- bear battles would not be any more troublesome.
With a blurring defensive speed David's instincts dropped his head low.
Nervous perspiration dampened his forehead. His tender age was no impediment to entering this ferocious encounter.
Again razor sharp claws lunged toward this youth's face. No brazen mammal would ever deflate David's strong heart. Courage flowed through his eyes, while faith flooded his soul.
Without hesitation he reeled and seized a handful of fur. An almost restrained bear became a definitely wilder bear. Yet 'wild' was no match to this junior bronze-age warrior; he plunged the result of newly acquired metal skills into the heart of this untamed beast.
But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, ... The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
This youth (who would be king) had faced, fought and found victories in smaller battles to prepare him for Goliath. Faith that is going to be trusted will always first be tested.
The opposite of fear is faith. Faith defeats fear.
Meet your fears with faith. ~ Max Lucado
No one who would serve their Lord and King escapes battles with giants. The confidence to face the next goliath is found in the previous victory.
Remember the lion and the bear you have already vanquished, these promise you that your next giant will fall too.
Everyone thought that Goliath was too big to kill - David thought he was too big to miss. - M. Goodenough
Surely to recall the Lord's previous rescues for you is to receive the next one even before you need it?
Today's Soul Snippet:
God will draw you from sin or sin will draw you from God.
Permission is granted to reprint SoulSnacks in hard copy form, using them for Bible Studies or other Christian forums, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. SoulSupply asks only that you keep the SoulSupply website and email contact information intact.
Love this SoulSnack? - PLEASE take a moment and share it with a friend. Would you like to subscribe for free SoulSnacks either weekly or each workday?