God Made Strength

David and Goliath.

Small young man (boy) fights nine foot giant.

Small vs Big

Humble vs Proud

God's Strength vs Human Strength

"Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall. He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver's beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield." 1 Samuel 17:4-7

"Then Saul gave David his own armor-a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. 'I can't go in these,' he protested to Saul. 'I'm not use to them.' So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in to his Shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:38-40

I have read this chapter in 1 Samuel many times. The story of David and Goliath...a well known part of our bible and history. Some new things resonated in my heart as I read this again.

David...so faith filled....so trusting in the hand of God in his life...knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God would be with him fighting this Philistine.

The difference between these two sets of scriptures...

Goliath...already a giant...wears armor....heavy armor...carries weapons...a javelin and spear...and later in scripture tells us he stood and shouted (he must have been far away)...taunting...and he even had an armor bearer who walked before him with a shield. Where was his real strength? Was it in his bullying...was it in his outside protection...was it in the fact that he didn't think anyone would even fight him?

Wasn't Goliath tough on his own. Why did he need all of this protection if he was so strong? Was it because he was only fighting with his OWN strength? His OWN confidence?

David tried on armor...but it felt uncomfortable...in the way...he wasn't use to MAN MADE protection....so he took it off...and went and got what he knew best...stones...god made stones...and he walked...straight to the Philistine who stood far away taunting with his man made armor and a shield held by someone else...to fight with GOD MADE strength...no man made armor, or man made weapons...

David's strength was his faith.

David's confidence came from God.

David's ability to win the battle against the enemy was not because he was bigger or better, but because of his trust in God, his faith in God, his shield was God....

David went straight to Goliath with God's protection surrounding him. Goliath stood in one place thinking no one would face him. But David never felt fear because his faith in God was bigger than the giant standing in front of him.

God Made Strength vs Man Made Strength....

"You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies---the God of the armies of Israel who you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you..." 1 Samuel 17:45

"So David triumphed over the Philistine with just a sling and a stone, for he had no sword." 1 Samuel 17:50

Where does our strength come from?

These scriptures remind me that when I begin to try to find my strength from myself or with in, I stand and can't accomplish the things that God has called me to do. But when I put on the armor of God...and rely on His strength and his faith...then any giant that stands before me will fall to the ground...

Have a day of God Made Strength.

Love, Teresa