How Do I Become a Conqueror? (Part 2)

1 Samuel 17:1-50 (Click on text to read scripture)

Running a race is not easy... it takes lots of practice, lots of perseverance, and keeping our eyes on the finish line. It is easy to want to give up, especially when you hit "the wall." As a hurdler, I used to hit a wall at the 200 meter mark. I was turning onto the last straight away and could see the finish line on the horizon, but my legs wanted to buckle. I used to pray that the Lord would put His hand on my back and keep me going, and sometimes that is what we need to do in life.

David discovered that in order to be a conqueror, it took training. He didn't start on the battlefield, but in a field of sheep (vs. 14-15). However, no task was too small for David to perform faithfully and 100%. We must remember, that at this point, he had already been anointed by Samuel to become the next King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13), yet his only subjects were sheep! We must be faithful where we are now and trust God for what is to come!

Second, David became a conqueror because he believed God and stepped out in faith (vs. 32). Often times faith acts cannot be rationalized (the city walls of Jericho falling down at the cry of Israel's army, Peter walking on the water, Gideon's small army gaining victory, etc). Over and over we see God accomplishing great things in impossible ways. Jesus said in His Word, that we will one day do even greater things than His miracles (John 14:12-14). God's Word is true and gives us great power for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in His Holy Name!

Third, David used the tools that God had given him (vs. 38-40). God doesn't need worldly things to accomplish His purposes. The Word's solutions don't fix the problem, Israel was proving that. God uses what we have. David used a sling and a stone, Moses had a shepherds staff, etc. God gives us spiritual gifts and abilities for a reason. We must be careful to not excuse our inactivity for the Kingdom because we don't feel we are properly equipped! He often chooses the weak things of this world, the lowly things in the world's eyes, to accomplish His great purposes (1 Cor 1:25-29).

Lastly, David knew that in order to be a conqueror, he could not fight in His own strength (vs. 45-50). God's name is more powerful than any weapon, we must learn to call out on the name of the Lord! Letting God fight our battles IS NOT GIVING UP, but it is His divine will and purpose in order to bring himself glory! Isn't giving God all the glory our ultimate purpose after all?

God is not camped out on the last spiritual high that you had, He is right here, where you are, right now! Remember, that before David could kill Goliath, he had to spend years in the fields with sheep and facing bears and lions. We need to be faithful, even in the little day to day struggles and attacks in our life, so when our Goliath comes we can securely say, "You come against me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands!" (vs. 45-46).