Talk about being put on the spot! I don't have to tell you that his Mom was squirming. After he admitted that he couldn't remember, the pastor opened it up to anyone....What did he preach about the Sunday before?"
Would you believe no one knew? Nobody, me included....could answer the question.
Can you imagine how exasperating that must be for a pastor who dedicates most of the day before and spends hours in prayer only to find no one remembers!
I figured out from having kids why Jesus said so many times,"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear"
Well the truth is we are forgetful people and sometimes inattentive. But he did preach a good message about facing the giants in our life. He used the story of David and Goliath. I was impressed by a few things because I have a GIANT in my life, but I am not telling what it is until I tell you the good stuff first.
1. The odds are against me. Meaning the giant is bigger than I am and I have no hope of winning unless God intervenes.
2. I need to be God-focused.Not enemy focused. Yay! I really like this one because when I see God I get REALLY HAPPY and when I see the face of the enemy it's scary and looks too big.
3.David had only two important questions that I need to be asking as well. WHO IS THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE THAT DEFIES THE ARMIES OF THE LIVING GOD? and WHO IS ON GOD'S SIDE? David made two statements that need to be in my heart and mouth as well. "THE LORD WILL DELIVER ME." and "I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THIS DAY WILL THE LORD DELIVER YOU INTO MY HAND."
4. David referenced God 9 times and the Giant 2 times in that story, In order to win the battle I can focus on God without fear. I don't have to cower in front of the enemy because God fights along with me. He makes my aim accurate, he reaches out and steadies my shield of faith when it begins to slip. He whispers in my ear and lets me know that his victory is sure and that there are more with me than with the enemy.
5. DO NOT RETREAT! I really liked this one. DO NOT RETREAT! I do remember one thing from the Sunday before. One of the families at church had a new baby, a girl after four boys. The Dad was on for devotions, but he forgot. So he did an impromto reading of Eph 6. That part stuck in my mind because I noticed something....
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren,be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
I noticed that what we need to do is TAKE, STAND and PRAY . Everything else is about God, His Power, His Armor It makes the battle so much easier when we realize that the BATTLE IS THE LORD'S.
So now, what is this giant that I am facing? It is fear of the future, and about Mom. How long will Mom need care? Is she going to be bedfast? At all? A long time? A short time? What if something happens to Dad like it did before?
Everyone has giants that they face from time to time in their life. I have seen many crumble, so I know that God will fight this battle with me. I know he has it all taken care of. I love to focas on God for he is always faithful, always the conquering king, always more powerful than any enemy that comes against us. So even though I find myself in the valley of the unknown I will fear no evil.
We have so much to be thankful for. Mom is very easy to care for. She is mild and mostly happy. I mentioned before that Angie is good at getting her to respond. Today my Dad said he would like Apple Crisp and Angie asked Mom if she wants some. She nodded her head, than Angie asked her who should make it, herself or me. Mom points at Angie indicating she should. Angie gets a big laugh out of that and I'm secretly rejoicing because I'm too busy and Angie likes to cook better than I do :)
Kristin with Grandma
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