Run Toward the Battle

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 2, 2018

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 1 Samuel 17:48

As leaders, many times we need to run toward the battle full of courage and faith. Run toward conflict and seek a “win, win” solution. Run toward fear and flush out the lies with truth. Run toward an enemy and engage him in the power of the Holy Spirit fueled by prayer and love. Run toward an opportunity and seize the moment in anticipation of God’s favor. Run toward righteousness and away from sin. Run toward the battle away from procrastination and excuses.

David, with laser beam focus, came to this strategic moment ready to fight. Warriors in this day were no where to be found, like a snowflake on a hot summer day, absent. David saw Goliath too big to miss—he smelled victory, as the giant’s stench swirled about with overconfidence. The future king trusted his experience in open air confrontations with the elements and engagements with wild animals; he had perfect preparation to slay one beastly man. David ran toward conflict! He was his own man, refusing Saul’s armor—but David was God’s man called to boldly lead.

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

What issue or person are you facing that God is calling you to confront in an aggressive manner? Not a zeal without knowledge or flailing away out of anger, but a measured, prayerful approach without apology. You have done your homework. You have prepared your heart and mind and now you must engage in a spirit of humble boldness. Maybe you have failed in the past, but this is different, you are a different person and this is a different situation. Run ahead trusting in God.

As you move toward the battle you can rest in the belief that the battle is the Lord’s. You can be confident since Christ has called you to this moment for action. On the outside this conflict may look like “flesh and blood”, but spiritual forces rage for control of men’s souls. The devil trembles at followers of Jesus who do not flinch, but by faith move forward, even when the stakes are high and the resistance is strong. The pain of advancement will be less than the agony of retreat. Run toward the battle and you will feel God’s pleasure, you are more than conquerers.

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).

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