10-12-2009 God's Provision of Protection

God's Provision of Protection   October 12, 2009 ~Denise Grant   "David shouted in reply, 'You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of the armies of heaven and of Israel – the very God whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head; and then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And Israel will learn that the Lord does not depend on weapons to fulfill his plans – he works without regard to human means! He will give you to us!' As Goliath approached, David ran out to meet him and, reaching into his shepherd's bag, took out a stone, hurled it from his sling, and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and the man fell on his face to the ground."  1 Samuel 17: 45-49 TLB     David was a shepherd boy, not a conventional soldier. Yet, he trusted God for divine protection in his duties of sheep-watching. David had witnessed God's protection many times in his young life. He had a history of defying the odds. Once he killed a bear, and at another time, a lion in order to keep his father's sheep safe. Perhaps you can you recount a time when you know you were kept safe because the Lord intervened on your behalf?   Goliath mocked, teased and criticized Israel's soldiers, but at nine-feet-tall, Goliath had the definite advantage against David - from a human standpoint. But one thing was lacking - Goliath failed to realize that in fighting David – he also had to fight God!   Onlookers saw a giant. David, however, saw Goliath as a mere mortal man defying his God. In his eyes, this Philistine was doing something far worse than just trying to steal sheep - Goliath was insulting the Lord Almighty who was responsible for protecting David. You see, David was in love with God. Are you that crazy about your creator? Has the same anger stirred your soul when you hear or witness others putting down God or speaking badly against Him?   David heard Goliath's insults and went into shepherd mode. He knew he would not be alone as he faced Goliath - God would fight with him. He simply looked at the situation from God's point of view. Do you view impossible situations from your point of view – or ever try viewing them through God's? Doing so can helps you to put giant problems into a Godly perspective.   Criticism couldn't stop young David – and it shouldn't stop you either. While the rest of the army stood around, he knew the importance of taking action. Don't you think David prayed as he bent over to pick up those five small stones? I don't believe it ever crossed David's mind to doubt God's protection. He instinctively knew - as he had a multitude of times before - that God would protect him. Do you second-guess your instinct to trust God's protection in your life? There are plenty of Giants in your life, who may try and discourage you with negative comments or mockery.   What battles do you shy away from? Let me remind you that God is not only a God of mercy and grace, but a God of might and supernatural power! He can be trusted to pull you through when those giants stand much taller than you and are breathing down your neck.   Addiction – Anger – Bitterness - Gossip –Greed – Jealousy – Lust - Resentment – Unforgiveness –are not your battles to fight – not alone anyway. Take a few moments to pray and as you lean over and pick up a few stones, give them to God. Trust Him -  He's got your back!     Lord Almighty,   Thank You for Your provision of protection in my life. Help me to always trust in Your power and not my own. Lord, I can do nothing without Your help - I've tried and failed a million times. Help me to step out and face my enemies. Remind me that my battles in this life are not my own; they belong to You. With Your strength, I cannot lose and I'll be sure to give You the glory for all You do in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands. God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13  "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14