David and My Boys

Even those who aren't Bible scholars are familiar with David's story. I heard it often growing up as it has always been one my Dad's favorites. Filled up with little nuggets of power, it's also one I have come to love and lean on more and more as the years have gone by and my faith has been called higher. Not many things have called me to new levels like raising our children, and as our boys grow and their big dreams encounter challenges, He always, reminds me again...

Our family is changing dramatically. Everyday, it seems. My boys are growing up in front of my eyes and leaving me with so many questions, it's sometimes hard to clear my head even to pray for them. Even as I write, my thoughts are scattered. There seem to be many giants laying in wait for their time, their talents, their hearts, their character, their futures. The world screams how they must fit into this mold or that one. They Must reach this. They Have to do that. So many things I want for them. So many things I hope their futures hold. As a mom, I'm desperate for a "good plan" for their lives, and yet, as a believer, I know He has one...and it's far better than anything my human mind can even fathom. I KNOW this, and still I wonder and sometimes, worry. 

Then He reminds me of David. A shepherd boy, who in faith, defeated a giant. When no one, even a King, believed he could do it. When his family stood against him and the soldiers he looked up to, laughed at him for even suggesting he was capable of taking on such an enormous task, he still knew he was able, because his God was able. And there's the lesson right there.

So the story goes like this: (1 Samuel 17 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:1-50&version=NLT)

At his father's request, David goes to take some bread, cheese, etc, to his brothers on the battlefield. There, he finds them in a sort of "stand-off" with these gigantic Philistines. Over 9 feet tall, the Bible says. The champion of this group, Goliath, has been yelling at the troops, "taunting" them, for 40 days, telling them how pathetic they are and how he is going to hand them their heads personally. OK, he really just said he would make them his slaves after he beat them, which I'm thinking, would likely, be worse than having my head handed to me!!

My knees knock just thinking about how this must have gone down. Proven and mighty warriors of God's army standing there, looking Goliath up and down. And Goliath, almost totally covered in armor, is ready to slaughter them all by himself.  I imagine he looked completely capable, too, don't you?!

Then, David...a young boy, who's just there to make a delivery, instead of doing his job and going right home, says, in essence, "Let me at him!" HA! I'm sure they all thought, "Yeah, right." But David was adamant. After all, the same God that helped him slay the lions who came for his sheep would absolutely, also, hand him the head of the Philistine. To him, it was simple. So, after trying on armor that didn't fit and selecting 3 smooth stones for his sling, (yes, his sling!) the story says "He RAN toward" the giant.  He RAN?! That's absolute certainty right there! He knew who held his future and he was unafraid and ready to take on this challenge. What faith! My mind is blown...

David KNEW His God was faithful. In this life and death situation, he could have easily walked away and no one would have thought a thing about it. Yet, he stayed, stood firm on what he knew to be truth and filled a position that even the adult, fully trained soldiers and King himself, wouldn't fill. Amazing. God had a plan. David walked it out. In faith. As a child. Wow. Here I am again, completely in awe.

I am, also, resigned to drawing as close as I can to God. I want so much to exhibit the David kind of faith. I want to know-that-I-know how faithful He is. And I want my boys to know how faithful He is.  I want them to trust Him with their lives. I want them to know they can RUN TOWARD their giants unafraid and know that God does have an amazing plan and He will bring it to pass. Whatever comes our way, whatever obstacles we face, whatever "giants" are in our paths, may we face them head on and run toward them unafraid.

I believe the key is, we have to be in agreement with Him, and believe Him wholeheartedly ... like David.

Holy God, I so much want to display faith and such belief in You that others desire to know You and trust You, too. Draw me closer and grow me in your Word continuously. Let me see Your face and hear Your voice, let there be no doubt in my heart and mind. You are wonderful, all powerful and completely faithful. You are precious to my heart and I love You.  Thank You for my life, my salvation and all You've given me. Help me to be a blessing everywhere I go and to everyone I meet. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.