A GOD GLORIFYING FAITH

…that all the earth may know that there is a God…”    1 Samuel 17:46b

Scripture Focus:  1 Samuel 17:1-53

            The story of David and Goliath was told to many of us as children.  We could relate because David was a shepherd boy who tended his father’s sheep.  As adults we focus on the details of David’s actions to learn how we can stand for God in difficult circumstances.  It may be your family, co-workers, neighbors, and/or friends that need to know there is a God.

The motivating factors: There was a giant Philistine defying the armies of the living God.  All the men of Israel fled and were dreadfully afraid of Goliath.  Neither the men of Israel nor Goliath considered the God of Israel.  This situation troubled David.  What troubles us?

Reflections on God’s actions:  As a young boy, David had experienced God moving in his behalf.  He was outspoken about the challenge of Goliath and was taken to King Saul.    With confidence, David told the king:  “Let no man’s fall because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”  The king was concerned because Goliath was a man of war from his youth and David was a youth without experience.   

David shared why he could face this giant.  While tending his father’s sheep, he killed both a lion and a bear.  He took the lamb from their mouth.  He stated: “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine.”  What has God done for you?  Reflecting on God’s faithfulness can give us faith.

Speaking words of faith: Armed with purpose and confidence in God, David chose five smooth stones and put them in his shepherd’s bag. David told Goliath:  “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you in my hands, and I will strike you and take your head from you.”  Note his confidence was not in himself, but in God. We have been given the authority to use the name of Jesus. USE IT.

The purpose of victory: David gave two reasons for his actions: (1) That the earth would know that there is a God is Israel; and (2) that the assembly, all those gathered both Jew and Gentiles, would know that the Lord does not save with sword or spear; for the battle is the Lord’s.  The bottom line, David wanted the world to know the faithfulness of God to move in behalf of His people.  When our purpose is to make God know to a world that so desperately needs to know, we will operate in the victory only God can provide.

The results of a God-glorifying faith:  David slung his stone and it struck Goliath in his forehead.  David ran to Goliath, took his sword and cut off his head.  The Philistines fled when they saw that Goliath was dead.  The men of Israel pursued the Philistines and plundered their tents.  God received the glory and faith in God was restored.

It is our turn:  A God glorifying faith accomplishes God’s purposes and makes Him known.  Consider what motivates you; reflect on what God has done for you. Speak your words in faith so individuals will know you are depending on God.  Maintain a God glorifying faith!