Faith in Action

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 17:48, So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

All that we have seen of David’s interactions with his brothers, with King Saul, and with Goliath were leading up to this moment. This is the moment that would truly test David’s faith. This was the crossroad that would finally demonstrate whether David’s faith in the LORD was true or not. How often have we said we had faith, but then reached this stage of proving our faith, and just fell flat on our faces? If we recall, David showed up, found out what was going on and immediately spoke up. He was rebuked by his brothers, yet he did not allow that to discourage him. He inquired as to what would happen to the one who defeated Goliath, and volunteered to take on the giant. Next he stood before Saul who tried to outfit him with warrior’s armor, but David refused it. Now the real test was about to begin. David finally confronts Goliath, and the giant tries to once again use intimidation tactics to discourage this brave young man. In 1 Samuel 17:43-44 we read, “So the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!’” How many of us reach that point of putting our faith to work, but then back out at the last minute because we become discouraged or the devils’ put thoughts in our minds that cause us to fear? How often have we approached a situation with great excitement because of the Lord’s initial conviction that moved us to action, but then fear of failure took over once the moment of conviction had long passed? David’s faith was such and his confidence in the Lord was such that he would not relent, he would not back down even an inch. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47 we read David’s response, “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.’” David’s response was not just a bunch of hot air. David’s motivation was not about proving his own courage or an attempt at seeking personal honor or accolades. David’s motivation in facing this giant was to prove to those who were watching that God is God and that there is no one like Him. He was out to prove that God would not fail those who go forward in faith to face those who seek to dishonor and belittle the King of kings and Lord of lords. David knew in his heart that with God what was impossible with man was not impossible with God. By David’s words we know that he was fully aware that in his own strength this was a losing battle, but with God on His side defeating this giant was no great challenge. James describes this kind of faith this way in James 2:18, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” As followers of Jesus, our faith must be more than lip service. If we say that we are born again believers who love Jesus, do our works demonstrate it? Are we facing life and its challenges with a faith that is demonstrated by our willingness to face each challenge, each trial, with actions that prove that we are trusting God to do what is impossible for us to do? David fought against a giant warrior who could have literally torn him to pieces, just like the lion and bear could have done when he was shepherding his family’s sheep. However, David knew that God would once again deliver this enemy into his hands, and he would not just spout a bunch of “good sounding” words that would prove to be empty. Instead, he charged the giant with just a few stones, and ultimately proved his faith by his willingness to back up his words with actions that many of the onlookers may have considered insane. In the end, he proved that God is the only true God who is faithful to those who completely trust Him and put their lives in His hands by faith.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).