This young man was determined to preserve his father's inheritance, it did not matter what he was facing he was not prepared to allow the lion to prey on the few sheep left. He called on his God and He delivered him and the sheep, on another occasion, it was the bear who came calling and deliverance came once again through his God. I speak about David, a man who faced his challenges squarely. The circumstances of his birth, his position in the family were not too favourable, however, he distinguished himself from his siblings through diligence and won the heart of God through praise.
God identified him in the place of insignificance because of his dedication, faithfulness and reliance on the ability of God to deliver him in the toughest of situations. Little did he know that the qualities that he demonstrated then would be needed for the palace. He was not one who complained when he faced challenges, he praised his way through, he stated that his help is only in God. When you face challenges, do you whine, cry, throw up your hands in defeat or do you try to understand the purpose of what you are going through?
The challenges you face today are the building blocks for where God is taking you to. When David faced Goliath, his confidence came from the fight he had won before when he battled the lion and the bear. 1 Samuel 17:34-37
"But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Moreover David said, “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 this Philistine.”
Do not see your present challenge as a problem but see it as a stepping stone to greater heights. I have discovered that every experience that you go through is preparing you for the future. If you avoid your challenge now, it will only become more difficult when you encounter it again at another level because you still will. God is with you, so when your work seem overwhelming, learn the tricks to doing it, when your relationship is challenging, try to understand yourself first and then the other party. When sickness seems to bother your or your loved one, hold on to the everlasting arms that do not fail. Challenges are not meant to destroy us, rather they are meant to toughen us and build us up for the glorious future ahead. I love the man David, the qualities in his life are for consideration in another write up. However, I can not but talk about how his small beginning prepared him for a great future that led him to the throne and gave him a lasting kingdom. David was committed, caring, a great leader and one who feared, reverenced and depended on the Lord.
What are you facing? Have you found yourself in a situation that you never expected or dreamed about? Are you querying your very existence or faith in God? Be encouraged and know that the steadfast love of God never ceases regardless of what you face. You will come out, strong and better. Even when your beginning is small, God is able to cause your latter end to greatly increase. You can not fight life's battle by your strength, wisdom, witt or ability. God loves you and He wants to fight your battle for you while you hold your peace. If you have strayed away from Him and you find yourself fight alone, return to the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul. New heights will bring new challenges and so you have to be prepared to face your challenges headlong, trusting God to fight for you. He understands what you are going through and He is prepared to strengthen you through the challenge you are facing.
Shalom!
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