Leaving Nothing to Chance

We should too.

My hubby and I recently taught our middle school Sunday school class a lesson on David and Goliath. They usually know the basics, but it’s really cool to dig into the scripture with them and fill in some blanks. They always light up and sit a little taller when we tell them that David was around their age.

We can also see the wheels in their heads turning when we explain that David was willing to risk his own life, not because the giant had physically attacked the men of Israel, but because he was taunting and terrorizing the,”armies of the living God,” with his words.

Words mean a lot to young teens today. They meant a lot to a young teen back then too. David had so much respect for God that he wasn’t willing to allow a bully to terrorize God’s people.

That got me to thinking about how modern-day Christians are doing with allowing unbelievers to taunt us with words. Do we cower, like the warriors of Israel or do we fight for the respect of our living God? I’m not talking about using violence, of course, but how often do we actually defend our faith?

Do we find it easier to turn our heads or are we willing to demand respect? David demanded and God stood with him.

Another object lesson we covered was the rocks and the slingshot. David wasn’t a classically trained warrior; so he used what he had and what he knew. He picked up five smooth stones. He packed back up. Do we carry some kind of back up when we take on something much bigger than we are?

We have the resources, with prayer, scripture and a praying community of friends. Do we engage all of our resources before we go into a battle of some kind? Isn’t it foolish not to? If God gives us resources, doesn’t He expect us to use them?

We asked the kids to ponder those questions as we passed out smooth stones for them to hold in their hands.

Finally, we pointed out a piece of the story that many miss. David took his shot and knocked Goliath down and out with his sling shot, but he used a sword to finish him off. David left nothing to chance. Goliath would not be coming back to cause any more trouble.

When we take on something big, a Goliath in our lives, anything from addiction, to debt, to past wounds, to insecurities, to unforgiveness of some type, and God helps us to knock it down, do we do what it takes to keep it down? Do we close the door and lock it permanently or do we leave room for the possibility for it to return and taunt us?

David’s story reminds us that when God is with us, we are capable of anything. There is nothing out of our reach, but it also reminds us to be prepared with what we know and what we have learned, and to leave nothing to chance. We are reminded to finish the job.

Maybe you needed reminding today.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂