Sunday, May 8, 2011

Five Stones

Scripture:

1 Samuel 17:40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

Observation:

And he took his staff in his hand, His shepherd's staff, which he used in keeping his father's sheep, and chose rather to appear in the habit of a shepherd than of a soldier. He then
chose him five smooth stones out of the brook; which ran in the valley, which became smooth by lying in the water running over them; and which being smooth were more fit for his purpose, being the more easily cast out of the sling.

He then put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; in which he had been wont to put things he needed for the good of the flock, and was such as travellers put their food in; and this might also be the use of it with shepherds. His sling was in his hand; which he intended to use in slinging the stone or stones he had in his scrip; and which was an exercise he had been accustomed to in all likelihood, and for which the Benjaminites his neighbours, of the next tribe, were very famous.

He then drew near to the Philistine; marched towards him, thereby signifying that he accepted his challenge.

Application:

Just like "David selected five stones from the brook," here are five stones you can use to defeat the enemy, put in the acrostic STONE:

Successes from the past. Recalling his earlier victories David declared, "God, who delivered me from the... lion and... bear, will deliver me from this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37 TM). Write your defeats in sand, but carve your victories in stone by keeping track of God's faithfulness and the "marvellous works... He has done" (1 Chronicles 16:12). Has He ever failed you? No, and He won't now!

Total dependence upon God through prayer! The stone of total dependence prayer. "Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare" (Ephesians 6:18 TM); you can't win without it. David "strengthened himself in the Lord" (1 Samuel 30:6). When Saul came after him he called on God, his "defence and refuge" (Psalm 59:16).

Opportunity to showcase God's reputation! God's priority is His reputation, and David's objective was to defend it by proving "There is a God in Israel" (1 Samuel 17:46). Involving God in your situation gives Him an opportunity to showcase His grace and power.

Never give up! The stone of perseverance. Solomon said, "The diligent make use of everything they find" (Proverbs 12:27 NLT).

Energetic passion! The stone of energetic passion. You can't stare at your giant forever. Rehearsing your hurts won't heal them and cataloguing your problems won't solve them. You must go out and face the enemy, knowing "the battle is the Lord's" (v. 47).

David picked five stones because he didn't know how many he'd need to do the job. Like Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over till it's over," so be prepared to go the distance. It may take more than a day, a month, or even a year to see results, but with God's help you'll win.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You once again, that the battle is not mine, but it is Yours. Help me to walk by faith and do my part. I will use Successes from my past, Total dependence upon You through prayer, Opportunity to showcase Your reputation, Never give up, and go forward with Energetic passion. I believe with my heart, that victory over the giant I am facing is on the way. In Jesus' name, amen!"

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