How to Face Today's Challenges

Read 1 Samuel 17.

For forty days, several times a day, Goliath challenged Israel with his words.  No one had the courage to take on this bully.  Saul offered money, his daughter in marriage, and literally the royal treatment if someone would step up.

What moved David to act with such confidence?  It was all a matter of perspective.  The difference was why he stepped forward. 
-David never saw this as a territorial, political, or even a physical fight.
-It was not a matter of stirring up enough courage with skill, experience, and luck to kill Goliath. 
-David did not see these men as the army of Israel, but the army of the living God.
-It was not a battle of them against us, but them against God.

Why didn't God  just strike Goliath dead on the spot?  He could have, but most often God will use the right person at exactly the right time to do His will.

1. David's Motive. (v.36)
He could not stand by and do nothing while God and God's people were being ridiculed and cursed.

2. David's Faith. (v.37)
His trust was not solely in his own ability and experience but in God's deliverance.

3. David's Method. (vv.38-40)
He learned from his past.  God had tested him previously in life threatening situations.

4. David's Message. (vv.45-47)
He was there for one reason: "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel."

5. David's Humility. (v.58)
His response was not about replacing Saul as king, but "I am the son of your servant."

How do you see your challenges today?  Is it us against them, or them against God?  As tested servants of God, we trust Him to deliver us.