"And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him." 2 Samuel 5 verse 10
You've all heard of David and Goliath. It's perhaps the most widely utilised illustration of faith in the whole Bible; face your greatest fears head on; fight with faith not sword; stand up for what is right; you will not be defeated in Christ. All of these are appropriate conclusions, but I wonder if you're as enthusiastic about the story after Goliath.
See, David's faith didn't culminate in a victory against a giant; it began with a victory against a giant. The whole time leading up to his face-off with Goliath, David was being prepared by God, shepherding sheep, attacked, on two occasions, by a lion and a bear. This was all a part of his training, leading up to his big break.
I wonder what your training looked like; maybe you're still in the off season, preparing. Maybe it's come and gone and you've met your big break, you've got that promotion you prayed for; she said yes and you're over the moon, praising God. Perhaps you finally saved enough to put a deposit on that house you've been waiting for. Is this the end of your story?
What I've learned runs contrary to some messages I've heard, especially when it comes to the David and Goliath example. 'It's all about preparation,' I've heard said before, and it is, though there is more to it than that. What I've realised about my own prayers is this. When it's tough I pray the most insanely verbose prayers, quoting verse after verse of scripture to God, desiring and expecting him to fulfil scripture, to do what he has done before. But it's a lot easier to look up when you're on your knees. I know God's character and I'm happy with Him remaining consistent.
When life is good however, there is more at stake in our prayers. I often find myself thinking twice about what I ask of God. "Your will be done, not mine... Wait. No, I take that back."The fact is God is not out to steal your joy. In fact the truth is exactly the opposite. The enemy comes to steal our joy, whereas God aims to replenish it, to fill our flasks to overflowing. We need not be anxious about God taking our blessings from us. If you've been praying for a life partner, that property, that job, and it's not coming to pass, then it is a sign that God has something better in store.
Maybe it's not that you doubt God's intentions. You know God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Maybe it's a little less complicated than that. Maybe it's just the ugly face of complacency creeping into your life that deems prayer unnecessary or less of a priority. You prayed until you received the blessing and then ceased.
The example we take from David is pertinent because it addresses faith before, during and after the victory. David does not let up. His prayers are humble, vulnerable and honest. The Bible says that David became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. It wasn't because he had trained to be a King.
It wasn't because he had defeated Goliath. It was because he kept on praying; he looked at God from a 'kneeling vantage point.' That's what you and I must do, praise God in the valley as well as on top of the mountain. Maintain the perspective of a kneeler even as we are raised up, given authority.
Are you in a valley or on a mountain? How is your perspective? If you're on your knees maintain that posture. You will be blessed. If however you're walking through life, you've already been blessed, maintain your perspective and keep praising him. There is more yet to accomplish in Christ.
Prayer for Today
Train me, God, to walk straight;
then I'll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind;
then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.
You are a gracious and loving God. I delight in your ways. Look upon me with favour God as I submit myself into your hands.
I love you.
I pray this in Jesus' name.
- Amen -
David Luschwitz is from Zetland, Sydney and is passionate about equipping people to "Renew their Minds, Revive their Spirit and Reclaim their Lives."
Check out the vision and mission statement at www.davidluschwitz.com.
David Luschwitz' previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/david-luschwitz.html