I Samuel 17:40
“He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.”
What an exciting verse. Particularly if someone doesn't know the story. An entire nation of warriors were afraid to do what David was now doing. All were watching him. I'm curious what's going on in David's brothers minds. They were formerly shaming him. Now his life is on the line. They knew him, a confident, capable young man. They also knew of his anointing as the future king.
Goliath had been taunting Israel for forty days. No doubt the Israeli army did it's background research. They found that he was a warrior since his youth. Apparently quite fearsome, as no one responded to the challenge. Yet, here is an idealistic youth accepting it.
This is an enormous conflict. We will experience them. While this is war, the majority of life's conflicts aren't that. Our's are problems at work, school, relationships and so on. We will all have them. This is where our faith gets worked out. Our attitude and behavior at this time are crucial. God wants to help us, but part of that assistance is to produce the fruit of the Spirit within us. Here's the list from Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control.
I'm not saying that we always have to be smiling and friendly. It would be inconsistent with what a conflict is. They are serious. Yet, godly character is displayed and created at these times. So is ruthless or bad character. Our response goes either of these ways. I think of how metals are purified at a foundry. There is intense heat and caution. Those that work there must wear protective gear. There is potential for injury. What's being purified is our character. Our heads are spinning with pressure and intensity. This is God's laboratory.
The aftermath provides the report card. How did we do? There is usually some improvement that's needed. Sometimes we have to apologize and make things right with others. The Holy Spirit shines a flashlight on problematic areas.
These are times when the Word of God in our lives acts like a scalpel in the hand of a surgeon. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Our faith becomes very real here. This is where obedience and listening to the Spirit takes place. Conflicts involve our reactions to intense situations. Our reflections upon the battle is crucial to our faith. If we aren't allowing the Lord in at these times, then we may not be a christian or we are walking in disobedience.
These times display who we are. Our reputation comes out of these times. All of us want to be good, strong, fair and honest. It's these times when these traits are born and solidified. Listening to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are crucial. Openness and respect for Him is the fear of the Lord. Many don't listen to Him or take His ways into account. That's their God given right. But they aren't christians.
Proverbs speaks much about the one who fears the Lord. It calls him wise. There are many descriptions of that one: slow to anger, gives a gentle answer, will confront a friend and so on. Wisdom is different from the fruit of the Spirit. However, the one who fears the Lord has them both intertwined.
David selected his weapons of warfare, sticks and stones along with a shepherds bag to carry the stones. He confidently approached the battle line.
David's willing engagement in the battle tells us much about who He is. He couldn't avoid it. So who we are forces us into some conflicts. We know it's a rough road, but to say no would be to compromise. The peace of God is present. While difficult we know it's right.
Lord, we thank You for Your work in us. Your involvement with David made him one of the greats in history. It would be too dramatic to compare, but Your will is to work in us. We are honored. Help us to have the courage to hang in there as You lead us.