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Friday, July 2, 2010

The Funny Thing About Courage...

...is that it can only be tested in the face of your fear. Oh sure, it's easy to say your courageous while sailing the smooth waters of life. It is quite another animal however when you're in the midst of facing a murderous giant, your leather sling shot in one hand and a smooth river stone in the other. The story of David and Goliath was always a childhood favorite of mine. Even as an adult there remains a certain poignancy about this story. To me it tells of human nature as much as it does faith and courage.

Remember how the story opens? Saul, The king Israel has a problem. The Philistine army has gathered for war against Israel. The two armies face each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. Goliath, a Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armor comes out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. Only tiny David and his slingshot eventually stepped up to the challenge.

To King Saul's credit, he did try to equip David some ill-fitting armor and gear. However, David decides to use what he knew best- a slingshot and some stones. In the end, God took David and used him just as he was- a kid with a keen eye and makeshift weapon.

Do you feel ill-equipped to take on life today? Perhaps it's not that you need to be any different than who you are. Maybe what you really need is a willingness just to step out on faith and trust in a God who's bigger than your giant. Face your fear as you are, leaning on him, and watch your courage emerge. The reality is that your giant, whatever or whoever that may be, is not as big as you think. And you are bigger than you know.

1 comment:

James said...

Right now I feel ill-equipped to brew a pot of coffee. Does that count?