We recount the story of David and Goliath all the time. As children we learn about it and as adults, we continue to tell the tale. Friends, that story really did happen…but I want to release something over you today. I want to stir a new thought in your mind…
We are in another day of Goliath…hear me out. Let’s read this chunk of scripture and then discuss…
David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.” When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” “Now what have I done?” said, David. “Can’t I even speak?” He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 1 Samuel 17:26-32
Goliath came and ranted with intimidation tactics, trying to cause the Israelites to be afraid…and he was succeeding…until David arrived.
It only took one person to stand against this enemy. The one who knew who God was. David was able to defeat Goliath for two reasons…he refused to be like everyone else, wearing Saul’s armor because he knew it would be more of a hindrance than a help. And he knew who God was…he moved forward in God’s power, not his own. David knew that God was enough.
Today, we see the enemy using the same tactics to intimidate God’s people. The liberal spirit stands as a Goliath and screams out words defying God and His people, and I wonder, when will we stand against it?
I, for one, am over this nonsense. The things the enemy is screaming are nonsense. Defying the existence of God, the truth of right and wrong, basics of biology, science is even perverted by love of money…the defiance is real. The ability to stand against it like David did, is still available.
One of the worst things the “church” can do in this moment is to be wishy-washy and weak-minded. Every time the liberal spirit of the earth picks a target, I pray and hope that whoever it’s attacking will choose not to surrender to it. There’s nothing to apologize for…nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re following Jesus, then no weapon formed against you that can prosper…unless you choose to not stand.
Church arise!!! Wake up and prepare for the day of battle. Put on the armor of God and stand firm!! Stand together with believers!! Be bold and unafraid.
Before we conclude today, I want to point out another part of this story…
When David began to ask about Goliath and was interested in what was happening…his own brother verbally attacked him. Let that soak into your spirit. His brother was afraid of Goliath, like everyone else, and the fact that David had courage made him so angry. This is what it’s like when the church body turns on its own. It happens every day. The church body rising against you doesn’t necessarily mean you are in error…it could just mean that they are in fear. Let that sit on your heart. Remember that next time you feel attacked or rejected by the family of believers, the very ones who should be for you. They may not always be on your side, but as long as you’re on God’s side, nothing else matters. The battle belongs to the Lord.
365 Days in the Presence 