Facing the Enemy

High Old Testament Adventures today...the story of David and Goliath

It is interesting to reflect upon the battle scene after recently praying with the Gospel Lesson advising us to pray for our enemies. There is no indication that David prayed for Goliath, is there? He simply moved forward toward the enemy, trusting that the abilities and resolution given to him by God were sufficient. He proclaimed his faith, that he came to the battle ground in the name of the Lord. In saying that, of course, he asked for and claimed the sure defense which is provided all of God's people....yes, even you ... even me. I would guess that David's faith led him to constant prayer...and that praying in the midst of his battles drew his focus toward God's strength as it might be manifest. In facing the enemy he trusted God to work things out while he did whatever necessary to make the best use of his resources.

It is easy to become hesitant when we dwell upon the magnitude or reputed strength and power of any kind of enemy. Well wishers may encourage us to don defenses that are actually ineffective in our particular situation. (As David found with Saul's armor, sometimes we are actually weighted down by defense mechanisms). We can see that when we use our ordinary abilities -- physical, mental and spiritual -- to step faithfully into challenging situations something miraculous happens. We work with what is familiar to us and our faith seems to increase the impact of our resources.

What giants are before you? What are some of the gifts, tools and previous experiences that help you have a genuine understand of your God given strengths? What might happen if you use them to the best of your ability in God's name, so that God's action can be unleashed in whatever battle you encounter.