The God of the armies!

1 Samuel 17: 32-49 v 45 “David said to the Philistine,” You come against me with sword and spear and javalin, but I came against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

David told Saul that he would fight Goliath. Saul pointed out the differences between them regarding fighting skills. David stated that he had fought a lion and a bear whilst tending sheep and the Lord was with him. Saul tried to give David the armour of a soldier but he tried walking around and was noy used to them so he took them off. He went to fight with his staff, five smooth stones which he put in his shepherds bag and with his sling in his hand. The Philistine said he would make David a meal for the birds and wild animals. David said to the Philistine,” You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I came against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of armies of Israel, whom you have defied. David ran quickly as the Philistine moved closer to attack. He struck the Philistine in the head with a stone and he fell face down on the ground.

The details of this well-known story of David and Goliath are meant to give us hope in overwhelming circumstances. Our Lord of Armies can defeat a lion, a bear and a giant of a fighting man! Simple weapons that you use everyday are the tools needed. Practice as part of your daily life equips us for task that seem too large for us. Trust in the Lord of Armies today as you learn the skills you need or are faced with a giant of a problem.

Prayer: Almighty God we thank you for the tools that you teach us and for the experiences that grow us and make us ready for the bigger challenges we face.  Amen.