Equipped to Win
There are forces out there that are constantly working against the believer’s life. We must fight and protect ourselves in a way that fits how we are made in Christ.
Perhaps you have a “giant” at home, controlling the atmosphere. Maybe there is someone at your job or school trying to come against you every day. There may be a brother or sister at church who stirs up trouble and causes division. Wherever the opposition, we do not fight back in a way that doesn’t fit our character. What they believe works for them will not work for us. The same rules do not apply. Lashing back at someone with anger or selfishness because “they started it” will not win the battle. The same way Saul’s armor did not fit David, we must respond based on who Christ made us. David knew it, so he went with what he was sure of.
“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. ‘I cannot go in these,’ he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them. So he took them off.
Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 38-40, NIV)
You know the rest of the story. David took down Goliath with a slingshot – a weapon he had proven effective in protecting his sheep from lions and bears. David knew what worked because it worked before.
You have a powerful weapon in the Word of God. Your faith has been strengthened through the living Word, working through you to direct you and to dismantle the enemy’s schemes. You have proven its power and truth throughout your walk with the Lord. Do not be fooled into believing that someone else’s go-to solution will fit your needs as you face whatever foe is trying to steal your joy and peace, your health and wholeness. What Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33 is something you can find courage in, as well.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
The Lord melds your talents, strengths, and experiences, together with your unique “personality fingerprint” and forges armor to fit you perfectly. Do not get intimidated by whatever seems to be overshadowing you, looking down on you. Yes, there may be giants in the land. But you are no grasshopper (Numbers 13:33).
You are equipped to win.
Father,
Equip me with every good thing to carry out Your will and strengthen me. Help me to accomplish what is pleasing in Your sight. Make me come to know who You have created me to be as I put my confidence in You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
