DAILY DEVOTION
REFLECTION
A Impossible Battle
By Ken Dillman
The story of David and Goliath is beyond inspiring, it can animate our faith.
David was a teenager tending his father’s flock while his three oldest brothers were off fighting the Philistines; his father sent him to the battlefront with provisions for his siblings.
The armies of Israel were on one side of the Valley of Elah; Goliath and the Philistines were on the other side. Goliath was frightfully imposing to the Israelite army; they were petrified in fear of the giant. Our giants can do that to us sometimes, they leave us with the inability to move forward because we live in fear.
Many years ago, I sensed the call of God on my life; I applied and was accepted at a college in Tennessee. I found housing for my young family and found a job, all in one inspiring weekend. Then I noticed the giant that stood before me, I was fearful, much like the Israelite army. I had doubts that I could accomplish what I was about to embark upon. Unfortunately, I got cold feet and chose to remain in my hometown, where it was safe.
David couldn’t understand why the Israelite army was living in fear; he knew that power was in the name of the Lord, and he plunged headlong into the fray. To his siblings and King Saul, David must’ve seemed like the most unlikely of warriors to face Goliath.
David gathered five stones from a brook, and with his sling ran toward Goliath; that would be akin to us charging into battle with a salami and a baguette.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) David seemed to know this instinctively, that the battle wouldn’t be won with just a stone and a sling, but in the power of the name of the Lord.
Goliath lost his head over the whole thing!
It would take another twenty-five years before I finally answered the call of God upon my life to enter full-time vocational ministry; my fear was conquered by the power of God, which was greater than the impossible battle I had faced years earlier.
Like David, we can face our fears with the fact that battle is God’s fight, and it’s his glory and name that is at stake.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Help us as we face the giants of our lives. Help us to look to you and have confidence in the name of the Lord when we don’t have confidence in ourselves. When we are weak, Lord, please be our strength. When we’re fearful, calm our fears with your love. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KEN DILLMAN
My wife, Karen, and I have been attending UALC for 6-7 years and enjoy God's presence in our gatherings. We live in Hilliard; our three adult children live in Central Ohio. I am a retired Chaplain and Pastor, and enjoy writing, walking, jogging, and listening to live music. I appreciate the opportunity to write for the church’s devotionals.
Great post!
Ken, what a great reminder that we can face our giants in the mighty name of the Lord our God! I think I have a giant or two that I have been sidestepping.
Great devotional. Thanks!
Nice job, Ken. You captured the topic well. We have all had our giants and we need trust God that He is in control and will help us. Thanks