January 17, 2014 - "Goliath Who, Pt. 2"

Fridays are awesome - are they not? Hopefully you have had an incredible week and enjoyed the teaching from yesterday. God is really fleshing that out in my life right now. It seems that just when I feel all the variables are aligned well and the world is smiling, trouble arrives and walks though my door OR confronts my faith on the battlefield. Ever had that happen? Sometimes it's easy to begin to whine and question one's own sanity and direction as the army of Israel did. But David had the courage to stand - believe and God gave him the victory as the older, more seasoned warriors watched from the sidelines. Can you imagine how they felt? Confidence in God is not based on maturity - it's based on belief...trust...un-wavering assurance. The situation with David and Goliath could seem like a fairy tale, but many of us are confronted daily with issues and troubles that seem 10 feet tall. I am! Remember, God's best plan and path for your life is never going to be obstacle free. The Bible says in Psalm 34:19: New International Version The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. New Living Translation The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. English Standard Version Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Now I don't know about you but I LIKE the second half of that verse. It's the first part that makes me cringe. But you know what? Without troubles there would be no need for rescuing. Right? Without suffering, we would never know compassion. Without affliction, we might never cry out to God. My Bible college students and I were working through Psalm 107 today and every time those wandering in dry places who were thirsty and hungry cried out to God - He rescued them. When they were imprisoned and cried out to God - He rescued them. We see this as a Biblical pattern through the journey of God's Word. One of my Spiritual Fathers called the Bible once a Book of Storms. How true! But those storms all ended. My heart for you today is to ready Psalm 107 and cry out to God if you find yourself in any of those situations and then stand and watch the God who loves you BEST rescue you. If you don't get rescued today - keep crying out. God is moved by the prayers and petitions of the righteous. Have a great weekend. Coffee on Monday? PK