Why Do I Fail? (Part 1 of Being a Conqueror in Christ)

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

Satan loves to put Goliath sized images and problems before us. Satan likes making us feel like we are trapped by a warrior that is fully armed, and ready to bring total destruction and slavery. How quickly we forget that if we have a personal relationship with God's son, Jesus Christ, although we are small, we have the power of God and the Host of Heaven on our side. This is exactly what happened to Israel.

God had promised Israel land that they would dwell in safely. In this point of history, the Philistines were trying to remove Israel from the promised land, and they almost succeeded. So often we reach the point that Israel was at, running in fear, but how do we get there?

First we forget who we are (vs.8). Goliath called the Israelites servants of Saul, and no one seemed to even notice. This was their first mistake. They were chosen by God, His children, called by His name. When we forget who we are, we also fall susceptible to attack. It is so easy to stop believing in the faithfulness of our Father when we stop putting our identity in Him! It is not until verse 26 that God is even mentioned in this story... we must keep Him in the forefront of our minds and lives!

Second we begin to focus on the problem and not on God (vs. 11 and 21-24). Yes, they had a big problem... a nine foot tall problem. Their problem seemed huge, but God is so much bigger! When we lose sight of God, our faith hides behind our fear. Remember the story of Elisha when he told Gehazi "don't worry, those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:8-23).

Finally, we often live in captivity to fear and failure because we follow false advice (vs. 28). People will provide opposition to you and sometimes encourage you to stay in fear and bondage, BUT GOD BRINGS FREEDOM (Gal 5:1). This verse clearly states, "do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." It is a choice that we make! Don't listen to people that encourage you to live in bondage. There truly is freedom in Christ!

We must remember that we "are MORE than conquerors in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:37). We all allow things to keep us from being a conqueror. What or Who is your Goliath? What are you battling for your promised land right now. Remember, God is bigger and with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).

(This week we learn what not to do. Tune in next week as we focus on how to become a conqueror!)