"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: I Samuel 17:45 & 47

 May 26

"David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword, spear. and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

- I Samuel 17:45 & 47 (NIV)

What a difference accurate perspectives can make! Most of onlookers saw only a terrifying giant. David, saw a mortal man defying God. He knew he would not be alone when he faced Goliath God would fight with him! He looked at his situation from God's point of view. Who or what are the "giants" you are facing today? Could it be financial need, health challenges, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, loss of loved ones, isolation, family problems, job loss, broken relationships? Viewing these impossible situations from God's point of view can help any of us put Giant problems in perspective. If there is anything we can learn from David, it is the power of his remarkable ability to see and understand his enemy from a different perspective. This ability enabled him to overcome fear and gain victory. What did he know about the Giant in his life and what can we know about giants in our life? Six truths remain:

1. Strengths often conceal weaknesses

2. God will not be mocked

3. God transform our enemy's strength into weakness and our own weakness into strength

4. God equips those who trust him with spiritual armor

5. Our Lord is able to transform our fear into faith and give victory over any Giants threatening our security

6. The battle is not ours but the Lord's

Once we see clearly, we fight more effectively. No matter how hard it seems in our difficulties and trials, the truth is our Lord has already sent an Army of Help because He has already given the victory through Jesus Christ our Savior forever.

Prayer: Lord, Defeat the many giants in my life. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: The victory is ours. The battle is the Lord's.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)