Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"The Giants of Life"
June 12, 2020
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
— 1 Samuel 17:37a (ESV)
It used to be the account of David and Goliath in the Bible was a story that touched my reality with only the greatest of difficulty.
That's what I used to think; I see it differently today.
Now I know that in life we face many Goliaths. They come to us in the form of uncertainties, fears, and lies that hurt God's people and try to set aside the promises of God. All these "Goliaths" are consequences of sin, which entered the world through Adam and have been passed on to everybody (see Romans 5:12).
Many times we, like Israel, think we have to face these giant problems using our own strength. Doing so is almost as futile as it would have been for an Israelite to take down Goliath. Reason and common sense tell us we have already lost.
What we need at such moments is to know we have Someone who will conquer for us. What we need is a faith that trusts in God for deliverance.
Those who were there to watch the original David-Goliath battle might have thought the young shepherd was their Savior. David wasn't. He was only the means the Lord used to rescue His people. The ultimate power which brought Goliath down belonged not to David or the shepherd's handy slingshot.
Goliath was brought down by God.
Things aren't much different today. Looking at us, God sees that due to our sinful nature we are unable to fight alone against the frightening Goliaths in our lives. He knows our deliverance will only be by His hand. It is for that purpose He sent His Son to be our Rescuer.
In Jesus, Satan is defeated and salvation is granted to those who believe in Him as their Savior.
Is there a Goliath invading your life right now? Do you need a lasting victory over your foe?
If you answer "yes" to both questions, begin by asking the Holy Spirit to put your faith in Jesus Christ. He has already beaten humanity's enemies, and He can do the same with your opponents, too.
Because of Jesus we can have faith that assures us we will always be sheltered in His tender love and mercy. There we will find safety—a safety that will keep us always.
THE PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus Christ, my Savior. By virtue of His sacrifice, no Goliath can frighten and chase me away from You. Grant me the grace to know that You shall always be my Shield and Deliverer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever experienced an unlikely escape or rescue from a dangerous situation? How did that come about?This Daily Devotion was written by Jeremiah Meyer. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
2. Do you draw any special inspiration from the Bible story of David and Goliath?
3. As you engage in your own spiritual battles, how do you lean on God to deliver you?
Have you ever experienced an unlikely escape or rescue from a dangerous situation?
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