I Samuel 17:10
‘Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”’
Goliath went too far. He was taunting God's people. Immediately this is Israel's fight. However, Israel is like the little brother that has a big brother. This is God's battle. Sure Israel has to move, but God is involved in the details. The Lord has been working in David. God is about to introduce him to the nation. Much of the preparation in David's life has been leading to this moment. A time of terror is about to change.
We have bullies in our lives. If they are there from our doing, then we have some growing to do. Often times they aren't. This battle is the Lord's. Yes, Israel was terrified. This taunting has gone on for forty days. Goliath was getting more cocky and the taunts more sharp. We need not fret. They will be there as long as the Lord allows. He has His purposes. Just as Israel was about to experience a major victory, so will we.
The Lord wants to build trust in us. We begin to see the pattern of deliverance. In time we know He will rescue and bring about a good ending. There will be anxiety, but it lessens.
Pastor Chuck used to tell of an experiment with mice. They were put in a bucket to see how long they could tread water. At the moment of drowning they were rescued. The average time was about 20 minutes. Once recovered, the mice were introduced to the same experiment later. They lasted over a day. That's shows the power of hope. They were rescued once and expected it again.
We've been rescued time and again. The anxiety will not be nearly as great as times before. We know He'll save us. We also know He has a purpose for the trial. We may feel ground down by the experience. Part of that may be our fault, as we may over worry. The Lord will rescue and do a good thing.
A way to demonstrate trust is to praise Him. It's best done in the fire. I think of the Three jewish young men thrown into the furnace by Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord was with them and allowed them not to be harmed. We know He will bring us through. We also know He will use that for His purposes and He will honor us in the process. Praise Him.
Lord, thank You that You fight our battles. Help us not to be instigators, but those who walk wisely. Help us to trust You in all things. What a privilege to be able to be a part of the process.