1st Samuel 17:32-51; Acts 26:4-18
Beloved, no matter who we are, we all have enemies. Some enemies manifest themselves spiritually and others physically. If it is not our fellow humans or “village people” (as Nigerians will call those that are out to see to their downfall), it is spiritual and demonic forces in high places. We sometimes group these enemies as the devil, the world, and our flesh. They are all out to destroy us. They make fun of us and see themselves as invincible just like Goliath did.
Today, God wants us to know that He has conquered our enemies and He has made us more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). This means that any battle the enemy is bringing now, we are sure to conquer no matter how fierce it might be. We should confront any challenge that comes our way, like David did; with an assurance that God will give us victory. And just like David showed Goliath‘s head as evidence of his victory, we shall have evidence of God‘s kindness to show at the end of every challenge or battle.
There are some quick lessons we need to learn from David according to our passage:
- Don’t be discouraged by experts just like David was not discouraged by his elder brothers and Saul.
- God has been preparing you for such encounter just as he was preparing David in the bush. Look back at your life, and you will see instances where God had used you and made you victorious. It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the experience might have been. It might even be a part of your daily routine or present job description. If you can’t find anything in your past just think of how you survived among almost 1,000,000 sperm, released when you were about to be conceived. You made it to the egg and here you are.
- Use what you are used to (1st Samuel 17:38-40). Saul wanted to cloth David with his armor, but David was not used to it. It would have caused him more harm than good. There are some so called “experts” in “spiritual warfare” that might try to give you some humanly designed template like; Bible passages to quote, when to shout and how to arm yourself for the battle. If you’re not used to it, don’t fight with it. Use what you’re used to. It might be a verse, a song, few minutes of prayer, one day fasting, or any other thing that worked for you at your time of training by God.
- Go in the name of the Lord of Heaven‘s Armies (1st Samuel 17:45). Not in the name of any man.
- Know your enemy. David knew that It was neither his brothers nor King Saul; who were trying to stop him, that were his enemies. Sometimes we fight the wrong persons thinking they are the enemies, just like Saul who fought enthusiastically but ignorantly against God. (Acts26:4-18). David convinced Saul and fought with Goliath who was the real enemy. Sometimes those that try to stop us are not the enemies.
- Know that it is the Lord who conquers, we are just vessels. David said “Today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head…” (1st Samuel 17:46)
As we rely on God, He will manifest Himself in every battle we face, and give us the victory. And whatever the enemy brought to destroy us, will be used to finalize their destruction. Amen. God bless you
Papa Mbos 