Preparing for Goliath

1 Sam 17:34
"But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."'

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David had been prepared for greatness by his experiences as a shepherd boy, faithfully discharging his duties and responsibilities to his family. God had been at work, preparing his heart and his spirit for the task ahead. God does not thrust us into places that we are not prepared for, especially when we are called to do His work. The principle from David's life is fairly clear- having been accustomed to do the little things in life - guarding the flock - he had to deal with the lion and the bear. As a result, when it came to the big things, he was more than adequately prepared, physically and emotionally. He was strong, and he could keep his cool. Perhaps more importantly, David was fully confident about where his strength came from and who his boss was. David knew that GOd would be faithful, and that He would deliver Him from the most deadly of circumstances.

For us today, GOd is preparing us for work to do. He does not thrust into places we cannot deal with. Perhaps that is how we should approach our current sufferings, difficulties and struggles. Whilst others may fold over and lapse into self pity, let's remind ourselves that GOd might be preparing us for big things ahead. This is not to say that everything is predestined and predetermined then- it's simply a way of approaching the difficulties, which we are told, will produce perseverance and character.

When GOd wants you to face your Goliaths, He will have prepared you with lions and bears first.

Thought of the Day: What is God preparing you for today?