June 28, 2018 Thursday

“19  Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20  So David God rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. 21  For Israel and the Philistines had drawn up in battle array, army against army. 22  And David left his supplies in the hand of the supply keeper, ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers. 23  Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them.” (1Samuel 17:19-23 NKJV)

            Fear captures us even before the conflict or we come into the presence of the enemy. Saul and the men of Israel were “fighting” with the Philistines. But this warfare was without weapons, battle cries or casualties.

            But in truth there really were casualties. Saul and the Army of Israel sat in the valley a casualty of their fear. It is very easy for Christians and even congregations to be so fearful they are locked in a valley, a place which they cannot move beyond.

            Even when God sends us provision we store it but because of our fear we are unable to use it. We become so afraid of a charge by the enemy or of defeat that we cannot think of attacking or even of an adequate defense.

            Often at this time we will blame God for placing us here or for pitting us against such a powerful enemy! We begin to ask why would God put us in this valley against this gigantic and powerful enemy? Why can’t God see this is too big for us and we are too weak to face nevertheless defeat such an enemy?

            When we come against the enemy we often look for the tall, proud, strong, wise and well armed one to lead us! But just as the boy who brought the loaves and fishes and David who brought supplies for his brothers God usually calls those we would never consider!

            God placed Saul and the Army of Israel before Goliath and the Army of the Philistines because they will have to by faith depend on God for survival as well as victory! God calls us to things we cannot do by ourselves so we will learn to trust in God. God will use people who do not seem a likely candidate because they show God’s glory by what they are able to accomplish.

            Some believe courage is acting and living without fear but in truth courage is acting and living despite fear! The Christian can give their life knowing God will make something richer and better of them and the Christian will die for their faith knowing what is before them is richer and better. By faith a Christian’s fear of life or death is overcome by hope in God’s promise!

            Are you chained down and trapped by fear? Are you just as afraid of living as you are of dying? Will you by faith discover the richness of living your life for God and the joy of the promise of true life coming after what we call death?