(Read 1 Samuel 18:6-12)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Since it is Friday I want to take a brief look back over what we have learned from David this week. When you think about David, and what God did through him at such a young age, you can’t help but be amazed. Most scholars believe David was 17 or 18 yrs. old when he killed Goliath. I have two kids close to that age; a 19 yr. old son and a 17 yr. old daughter. As amazing as they both are, it is hard for me to insert them into a story like this. David was exposed to things as a teenager that would cause most men to give up, cave in, and quit. And when you consider the fact that David did this all without the support of his father or brothers, it makes the story even more amazing. But David was not truly alone, for God was with him every step of the way. God kept David for his purpose and He will also keep us for ours. Let’s look back over what we have learned this week for some final points before we move on.
1. David resisted pride. When the women came out calling David’s name and singing songs about his victory, even giving him more credit than king Saul, it would have been easy for David to have allowed the accolades to get to his head. But David resisted pride and he maintained a proper opinion of himself. Learn from David and do the same, because if you allow yourself to get caught up in pride, you might have to get humbled by God. Take it from me, it is much better to humble yourself and allow God exalt you, than to exalt yourself and force God to humble you.
2. David handled the trouble that followed the triumph with breaking under the pressure. For a teenager to have to take a stand against a king, all alone, without the support of his family, is almost too much to ask. However, God would not allow David to face what he could not handle and He was with David every step of the way. Remember that when trouble follows your triumph. The same God who graced you to experience the triumph, will be with you as you face the trouble. So never give up, cave in, or quit. The devil knows he cannot beat you if God is with you, but if he can get you to quit, then you actually beat yourself.
3. David did not get out ahead of God. David knew he was anointed to be the next king of Israel, so he knew he was Saul’s replacement. Since he killed Goliath he could have easily thought to himself, “Hey, I can kill this guy and go ahead and take the throne. God anointed me for it anyway.” But David refused to get out ahead of God’s timing. The right thing, at the wrong time, becomes the wrong thing. You must wait patiently for what God has destined you to have, because there is a season when your harvest is due. Before that, it is simply not your time.
4. David did not change. Both success and struggle can change people. David could have changed upwardly, thinking more highly of himself, when the women were calling his name. Or David could have changed downwardly, thinking less of himself, when Saul was attacking him. But David simply remained the same. Learn from David and don’t allow accolades to make you think too highly of yourself or pressure from others to drive you over into low self-esteem. Just maintain your integrity, walk upright before God, and be the person God has called you to be.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this teaching. I resist pride and low self-esteem. I don’t think more of myself than I ought, but I don’t think less of myself than I ought either. I have a healthy opinion of myself because I see me, the way You see me, and I am grateful for whom You have made me to be. I am not ashamed of who I am and I walk in the grace wherewith I am called! I have the grace to handle both triumph and trouble. No matter what comes my way — up or down, high or low, good or bad — I can handle it by Your grace. And Father, I will never get out ahead of You. I know that the right thing, at the wrong time, becomes the wrong thing. Therefore, I will operate in Your timing. I know You have called me to do certain things, but I also know that they will happen in Your divine time. So I don’t attempt to get out ahead of You. I wait patiently, maximizing this season, preparing for the next, and enjoying the ride! In Jesus’ name.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
