Clarity of Purpose
1 Samuel 17:40-50, Romans 8:28-39
By J.D. Griffith
David had no trouble deciding what he wanted. The thing that was
foremost on his mind was to destroy the enemy. His brothers were
warriors in Saul’s army, and David just went to the battle front to give
them food. (1 Samuel 17:17-50) There was a Philistine enemy who was
taunting Israel, and David wanted to defeat this enemy. You may remember
the name of this particular Philistine—Goliath.
David had a clear mental picture of what he wanted to accomplish.
Despite being ridiculed by his own brother, he approached Saul and asked
for a chance to do this task. Not at any time did he have thoughts of
inadequacy. Fear was not making him shake in his boots. He had seen
God’s provision in protecting him when fending for the sheep in the open
field, so he was confident—even in the face of a giant. He trusted God
for the victory, and God did not disappoint.
When faced with something, it’s not unusual for us to doubt our
abilities. Shock waves of insecurity can fell even the most confident
person. This is the devil’s work to defeat us.
However, the moment we trust God for our victory, our attitude changes.
Faith in a sovereign God who loves us unconditionally ignites our hope.
We begin to feel like David. We brave even the most daunting task. After
all, Paul gave us the security of hope in Philippians 4:13. “I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Remember our Bible study in Proverbs in part 2? Even kids can claim
wisdom, victory and protection for the faithful. (Proverbs 2:6-8) That
gives us all confidence to accomplish our goals.
Take Home Nugget
Not everyone has as clear a goal as David did that day. But every day is
new, and no one knows what mountains will have to be scaled before it’s
safe to let down our guard and fall to sleep. It gives each of us
confidence knowing that with Christ, we’re ready for any challenge. Some
days our goal is to make it through this one day. God is with us each
day to guarantee our victory.
It’s hard to imagine that tasks will be different from one day to
the next.
Best to have all our wits sharp and armor secure.
Phones can bring alarm with surprising text
Indwelling Spirit strengthens us to endure.
