I Samuel 17:33
Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.”
This is the rare time when part II of a topic is discussed. Last time we explained how David had the faith to go against a great warrior even though it didn't make sense. It's title was also "we walk by faith, not by sight".
This is a different way of thinking for the believer. Prior to coming to Christ reason and desire were the ways we lived life. Faith wasn't a factor. In Christ, faith is factored in. I Corinthians 2:14 says, "But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them, because spiritually they are discerned."
Most come to the Lord because we needed help. The condition of doing so is that we walk in obedience to Him. Thus begins a wonderful life with the creator of the universe. It's a little concerning at first, but He reassures us. He knows we are infants in this way, so He is gentle and starts with baby steps. We may be adults, but brand new in the faith (I Corinthians 3:2).
The Lord rewards our obedience. Jesus sent His apostles out to share His message in Luke 10:17a. This was very early in their relationship with Him. Here's their response when they returned, "The seventy-two returned with joy". It's exciting to partner with the Lord. It's like a parent teaching a child how to ride a bike. It's scary and exciting. The parent rejoices over the child. That's this new life in Christ.
Part of David's purpose was to be a defender. It started small while he was tending his sheep. The challenges got bigger. Eventually he slew a bear, then later a lion. So when Goliath came along, it felt the same way. This time it was a human foe. No one else understood. However, he knew the Lord was with him and he knew the power of God. He had witnessed it for years. Goliath was the next challenge.
I know I went from infancy in Christ to the one of the bible's greatest champions. We need not be intimidated. He will gently lead us in our purpose. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us about the mind of God as He seeks to love and guide us, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He's not a hard charging drill sergeant, but a loving Father who seeks to guide and mature us in the faith.
Speaking of faith, while love is the language of the Lord, faith is the currency of His kingdom. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
As we go through out our days, we encounter many things, some good, some problematic. We have a tendency to panic or get anxious. The Lord wants us to be at peace even in the problems. Faith knows that He will teach us good things and to be patient in the process. Early in David's shepherding, he probably had a leisurely afternoon, then he would realize some of his sheep were missing. He may have panicked as he would conduct the search. He would further worry about the ones he left in the pasture. Would they be ok? Everyone experiences problems, the Lord wants to use those things for positive purposes and character development. Goliath was a problem, but David was ready. The Lord had spent a life time preparing him. Similarly He will use us. It's rarely this dramatic. It all starts with small things as we walk by faith, not by sight.
Lord, thank You for Your wonderful, loving guidance. Help us to follow You even when we don't understand. Give us faith in the processes.