Run TO the Lord’s Battle!

Since “the battle is the Lord’s,” according to David (1 Samuel 17), how do we keep it in His hands? David ran TO the Lord’s battle against the 9’ 9” tall, 550 pound Goliath and his results are legendary. What giant do you face today, some huge trial, or a colossal cancer battle? Consider five key takeaways from David’s approach to conquering giants.

1) Run to the battle, avoidance will only make it harder!
“Then David left the baggage in the care of the baggage keeper and ran to the battle line” (1 Samuel 17:22).
If we cower in fear, giants become even bigger, so run TO the Lord’s battle!

2) Resist groundless human criticism!
Eliab, David’s oldest brother judged him as only visiting the battle field to witness Israel’s defeat. “But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” (1 Samuel 17:29).
Yes, consider the input of others, but take feedback to the Lord for confirmation. Well-meaning people can be wrong!

3) Recall God’s history in your life!
“But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a sheep from the flock, I went out after it and attacked it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth; and when it rose up against me, I grabbed it by its mane and struck it and killed it” (1 Samuel 17:34-35).
    The Lord’s act of delivering us from our sin and hell is sufficient history, but He has done so much more for all of us! Find out how God forgives and saves us here.

4) Let your heart be filled with faith and confidence in the Lord.
“And David said to Saul, “May no one’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:32).
    Train your mind and heart to focus on how great our God is and how much He loves us. Praise Him as often as possible. You do not have to let discouragement settle in your heart!

5) Remember Who is greater, God or your problem!
“But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a saber, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).
    Don’t compare yourself with your problems as many are stronger than us! Compare your problems to God, as He is greater than our problems including any stage or type of cancer! For encouragement in God’s power, read about my healing from Stage IV “terminal” cancer here, and in my book, My Stronghold, in our free gift basket to cancer patients.

Lord, train us by Your mighty power to run to the battles and conquer the giants which attack us!