Green pastures

Introduction
Someweeks ago, I was reading 1 Samuel Chapter 17 as part of my morning devotional reading. That day, I read from the New International Version and when I got to verse 50, a passage I have read several times came to life in a new dimension. “So, David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him. “(NIV) That is my prayer for you today, this week, this month and this year; you shall triumph over your enemies, even without a sword.

Many of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath. Let me state that from this story, the following could be noted. In the battle of life, good men have to fight a powerful adversary called Satan, who is a strong, subtle and experienced enemy. No opponent is too powerful for him; no attack too difficult and no place too sacred for his assault.

In the battle of life, you and I have to contend with numerous adversaries. In the battle of life, your detractors might be those who ought to help or encourage you. (1 Sam.17: 26-33, Micah 7:6) But God can use the unexpected to achieve the unexpected in an unexpected place at an unexpected time in an unexpected way. In the battles of life, past victories can strengthen us for future battles. (34-37) As David conquered without a sword, may you also triumph without a sword. Amen.

How To Triumph Without A Sword
It is evident in this passage that the narrator regarded David’s victory as extraordinary and such, no doubt, required not only great courage, but also perfect skill, for only the lower portion of Goliath’s forehead was exposed and no other part of the his body would a blow be able to enter. But the narrator also calls our attention to the fact that David used his sling and stones alone, for there was no sword in David’s hand. Slings probably were regarded as useful only to harass an enemy, while swords, which they only lately procured (1 Sa 13:22), were regarded as the real weapons of offence. But David achieved his victory over Goliath without a personal sword but completed it with the giant’s own sword, as he lay stunned upon the ground. What a mighty God we serve. If you want to experience the same, two things are important.

1. Be On God’s Side  
One thing that is clear in the passage is that David was on God’s side. This was a religious war in which Goliath fought for Dagon and even cursed David by his gods. But David fought for Jehovah. The battle is the Lord’s, David said. David was careful not so much to have God on his side, but to be on God’s side and do God’s Will only. In your life’s battles, ensure you are on God’s side, doing His Will, following His ways, obeying His voice and using His means alone. Be on God’s side.

Rev. Dr Israel Kristilere, Shepherdhill Baptist Church, (Sanctuary of Grace & Glory), Baptist Academy Compound, Obanikoro, Lagos.
WhatsApp: 2348033052590.
Email: revkristilere@yahoo.com