(1 Samuel 17:51-53)
This morning I continue our series entitled, “Standing on a Word from God.” This is Part 53 of the series and Part 25 of the life of David.
What God did through David was amazing. A young boy killed a giant of a man. Not only that, but the young boy had never been in combat and the giant was a time-tested and battle-proven warrior. This happened because it was God, working through David, who killed Goliath. I put the emphasis on God. While it was David, and not God, who flung the stone and swung the sword, God’s grace was unquestionably on David to kill the giant. David’s victory led to a national victory. The Israeli army was snapped out of their stupor, they attacked the Philistines, and Israel experienced an amazing victory that day. All of this can be attributed to God. They were doing the fighting, but God was clearly moving behind the scenes.
You may be thinking, “Wait a minute Rick. Wasn’t it David who did something great that day? Shouldn’t we give him the credit?” Yes, it was David. And yes, it was God. Both were at work. Both were involved. And this is actually how we are supposed to live. It was David and it was God. It was David under God. It was God through David.
In the scripture I shared with you yesterday we can see what I am explaining. Paul said, “God treated me with undeserved grace! He made me what I am, and his grace wasn’t wasted.” Paul looked back and all he was able to accomplish in the Body of Christ and acknowledged that he was not worthy of the assignment in the first place. Further, he acknowledged the fact that he was not a self-made man. God made Paul the man he was. Paul had no problem with saying that he was who he was by the grace of God. But Paul continued and said, “I worked much harder than any of the other apostles.” Wait a minute! At first Paul clearly put the emphasis on God and now it seems like he was putting the emphasis on himself. But he actually wasn’t. Paul was just acknowledging the fact that it requires human effort on our part to maximize our purpose and potential. Walking with God and performing His will is not effortless, although with God’s grace it can be sweatless. There is nothing wrong with Paul acknowledging the fact that he had a part in his success. Paul was not arrogant or full of pride. This is evident because Paul continued and said, “Although it was really God’s grace at work and not me” (see 1 Corinthians 15:10). Therein lies the dynamic. It is you and God, God and you… together, making a difference within your sphere of influence.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
- Don’t get so caught up in tomorrow that you miss out on today. David was called to be king. The prophet had already anointed him to rule as a monarch. David could not easily gotten caught up in wanting God’s promise to be manifested in that moment. But he did not. He was anointed to be king, but it was not the right time for him to experience it yet. So David made the most of every situation God put him in while he was waiting for the larger promise. This is how we are supposed to live. Never get so caught up in the BIG THING that is down the road that you fail to make the most of the current moment that is before your face. Because in between the BIG THINGS in your life there will be countless smaller moments. God expects you to do what He called you to do in both the BIG and SMALL.
- Age is not an issue for God. Abraham was 75 when he got started and 100 when Isaac was born. You can make the argument that he was too old. David, on the other hand, was just a teenager when the fate of millions of people rested upon his shoulders. You can make the argument that he was too young. But God is God. He can use anyone. If you are still breathing, God can still use you. So don’t allow anyone to disqualify you from God’s assignment because of your age, race, gender, or anything else. God can use you for His glory. The question is, will you let Him?
- One person submitted to God can make a tremendous impact. David saved Israel from a national loss and later led that same nation to regional dominance. Paul — a man who should have never been qualified to preach — went on four missionary journeys, changing the climate of Asia minor and extending the cause of Christ. Paul later wrote half the New Testament and we are being blessed by his writings over 2,000 years later. Moses — a man who committed murder and wound up exiled — came back after 40 years in the desert to lead millions of people out of bondage and help re-establish them as a nation under God. What is your story going to be? God wants to be the central character in your life’s story. He will, if you allow Him to be. If you let God flow through you, your story will be great. You’re not too old, too young, too tainted, or too damaged for God to use you to make a tremendous impact in this world. If you are still alive, then God still wants to use you. Please let Him. Cooperate with Him so He can freely operate in your life!
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. I realize that You have been attempting to work through me my entire life. I have not always cooperated with You. Partly because I did not see myself as worthy of being used by a holy God. And partly because I could not open my heart wide enough to receive ALL You want to do through me. But those days are over. I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I believe what You believe about me! I am who I am by You immeasurable grace. I enter this day confident that my God can and will use me for His glory! I shall make an impact within my sphere of influence, because I am not the one doing it. It is You Father, living ne me, You give me the words and You perform the work. You and I, together, we will change the world! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
