WHAT SEPARATES THE BOLD FROM THE FEARFUL?It is not talent or stature but something much more.
Becoming a champion begins with a dedication to changing some habits – something you do without a second thought.
The Narrative
DAVID WAS THE YOUNGEST OF EIGHT SONS and the smallest in stature.
The first three sons of Jesse – Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah followed King Saul to war while David went back and forth to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.
‘Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take along these ten cheese to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them.”’ (1 Samuel 17:17-18)
To be a champion for God, you need to cultivate the following habits.
Live a Life of Integrity
ALTHOUGH DAVID would be away from the flock, he wanted the sheep to be safe. So, he left them in the care of a shepherd. (1 Samuel 17:20)
Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
God wants you to be a person of integrity. He delights in your obedience to His Word.
Seek Clarity
DAVID REACHED THE CAMP just as the soldiers were drawing up their lines facing each other. He left his things with the keeper of supplies and talked to his brothers.
As he talked to them, Goliath – champion of the Philistines stepped out and defied the armies of Israel.
Whenever the Israelites saw Goliath, they fled from him in fear.
But David asked the men 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?” (1 Samuel 17:26)
David needed clarity on the reward.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “.. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus knew that there was joy beyond the cross – the salvation of souls.
Recognise Distractions
ELIAB, OVERHEARD DAVID and burned with anger.
He said, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28)
After David replied to him, he turned to someone else with the same question.
David knew that his brother was a distraction. While he walked in sincerity, Eliab walked in jealousy.
Speak Words of Encouragement
DAVID KNEW THAT THERE ARE MOMENTS when troubles come our way, and we can do nothing to avoid them. But we can do something about them.
He chose a duty that no one wanted, and said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing."
Recognise the Contrary Voice
SAUL COMPARED DAVID TO GOLIATH. He felt David was a young man, and Goliath had been a warrior from his youth.
When you’re faced with challenges, remember that when faith falters, fear festers.
When faith falters, fear festers
Make Your Prediction
BUT DAVID TOLD HIS STORY and prayed. Then, he made his prediction.
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion, and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
Saul concurred with him and prayed that the Lord will go with him.
Know Your Armour
DAVID TURNED DOWN the armour of Saul because he wasn’t used to it and settled for five smooth stones, and a sling.
He said, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47)
When you hand everything over to God, he goes before you. (Isaiah 52:12)
Have respect for God’s words, look for them in the scriptures and find out where they have been and how they were used.
Life is complicated, but when you turn to the scriptures for a solution, the Holy Spirit makes it simple.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
GOD WANTS YOU to take a cue from David who was calm in the time of adversity.
When you cannot see the hand of God, trust His heart – Spurgeon.
Live your life from the resurrection perspective. Move from lamenting to walking by faith.