Sizing Things Up!

Compared to us there are some things that seem like GIANTS. We lean back and watch tall trees swaying in the wind. We look up from the sidewalk toward the tops of skyscrapers towering in the big city. And how small we appear compared to the mountains poking their peaks up through the clouds. Then there are times we may feel dwarfed by some of life's challenges.

When Goliath challenged Israel ( 1 Samuel 17), where were their eyes resting? Remember, King Saul was head and shoulders taller than any of the people of Israel. ( 1 Samuel 10:23) However, he was not out there taking on Goliath. The army of Israel was not ready to engage him either, being "dismayed and greatly afraid." ( 1 Samuel 17:11) After all, the height of Goliath was "six cubits and a span" ( 1 Samuel 17:4); a little over nine feet tall. And he had to have been strong to carry the weight of his armor and weaponry. (vss.5-6) Looking at themselves, Israel and Saul appear to have felt they were no match for such a contest.

However, David had a different perspective when he sized up this GIANT. It was not because of his own ability to fight off bears and lions while tending his father's sheep. It was not because he had gained much confidence in his use of a sling. David's focus went beyond himself who was obviously smaller than Saul and his fighting men (note 1 Samuel 17:38-39), let alone being compared to the GIANT Goliath.

To King Saul, David insisted. . .
"(37) 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.' And Saul said to David, 'Go, and the LORD be with you!'" ( 1 Samuel 17:37 ESV)

And to Goliath as he taunted David and insulted God, David declared. . .
"(45) Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (46) This day THE LORD WILL DELIVER you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, THAT ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL, (47) and that all this assembly may know that THE LORD SAVES not with sword and spear. FOR THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S, and HE WILL GIVE YOU INTO OUR HAND'" ( 1 Samuel 17:45-47 ESV)

David sized up Goliath and the situation compared to THE LORD. He himself may have been no match for Goliath, but Goliath was NO MATCH FOR GOD! The battle was not Goliath's! Neither was it David's. It belonged to the Lord Who would ultimately bring the victory.

What about the GIANTS we face in life? What is it we are allowing to hold us back or cause us to fear? Is not GOD BIGGER than they are? We need to let that battle become THE LORD'S as we press on courageously with Him toward the ultimate life victory He will bring.

Remember how Paul encouraged. . .
"(37) No, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US." ( Romans 8:37 ESV)

We are not alone in the battle. The Lord is with us and for us. Let us courageously and steadfastly press on in His Name!

Have a great day TRUSTING LIFE'S BATTLES TO THE LORD!
Carl

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