"And the Giant Came Tumbling Down"

As I continue my study of 1 Samuel I came to the most familiar part of 1 Samuel that I've ever known. I've not only read, heard and watched this story on VHS numerous times but I've even seen it put on flannel graph. Today the Lord showed me several applications from this well known story that I can apply to my own life. I just love that! Old Testament principles and stories have meaning in our own lives here in 2011 TODAY.  

I. First David was a faithful delivery boy 

I take from 1 Sam. 17:12-18 that David was not in command of much of anything but a few sheep. He was most likely not noticed for what he did and probably not appreciated in the least. As long as the food got there the brothers were happy and they didn't want David to be near them. Caring for "the bitty little sheep" was viewed as the highest job David would ever get. 


Many times our own problems and stress are a result of feeling like we have no significance and aren't appreciated. Regardless of the task we can be like David in our areas of ministry and work. Faithful. He who does not look for praise will not be disappointed. 

II. David's hearts desire was not for his own fame 

David's courage to fight Goliath didn't just come from him feeling extra brave, or lucky. He was out to give God glory! 

1 Samuel 17:45-47

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴⁵ David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. ⁴⁷ All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

When we finally get to that point of not using God's glory for our personal fame, He can use us. In today's Christian realm it is getting easier and easier to use God's name to get what we want for our own personal edification. We forget that just as Saul thought no one knew his hidden motives back in chapter 16, God knew the real deal inside Him. Until we get to the point of honestly within us being more concerned with God's glory than our own, He CAN NOT use us to bring Him glory. Because the things that bring God glory are completely opposite of what we feel will. He receives the most glory in your lowest of lows when we praise Him, when we CHOOSE to say though HE slay me I will trust in Him, the glory goes to God where all our efforts should be going!