May 15

Big Problems

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 69:13-18 | 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4 | John 8:21-30 | Proverbs 15:11

Today’s Scripture Focus:  1 Samuel 17:1-18:4

“The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37 TNIV).

“I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45b TNIV).

Problems come in all sizes. David had faced some big ones already—lions and bears, for example. But this problem was “Super-sized”—bigger than big. He stood nearly 10 feet tall and he had a mouth to match. He kept taunting and insulting Saul’s armies and they were absolutely overwhelmed.  

Young David was sent on a mission to bring some food to his “brave brothers” on the front lines.  He heard the taunts. He wasted no time in offering his services. He had seen God deliver him before and he had confidence that God could do it again: “The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. (17:37, TNIV).

Saul tried to suit David in the best armor. It did not fit. David went back to his usual attire and found his ammunition in a water brook: 5 smooth stones. And with his sling shot in tow, he went to battle against his biggest problem yet: Goliath.

His trust is seen in his bold words: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin. I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Before Goliath could finish laughing, David had landed a stone in just the right location.  Goliath fell to the ground.

The battle is the LORD’s! No problem is too big for him (or too small for him to notice). Come with the confident trust of David and watch those problems fall.  Come in the name of the LORD and see the victory he brings.

Father God, help me to stand strong whatever giants I might face. Remind me that the battle is the Lord’s. Remind me that there is no problem too big for you. I rest in your presence and stand in your might. Amen.