The Story, Chapter 11

In His Face

One of my favorite people in the Bible, second only to Jesus, is David.  It is rare to find in one man a warrior and a poet.  God would describe David as, “the man after my own heart” (I Samuel 13:14).

David had a passion for the presence of God.  That passion empowered him to “face his giant” and to become the greatest military leader in the history of Israel.

David could face his “giant” because he had spent time seeking the face of God. When he arrived at the place of the standoff between the Israelites and the Philistines, he talked about God. He told Saul that “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” (1Sam.17:37). He did not hesitate to confront Goliath, saying he came “in the name of the Lord of host, the God of the armies of Israel.”

David was God-focused instead of giant-focused. He mentions Goliath two times and God nine times. He knew the giant was there and recognized his presence, but his thoughts were twice as much on God. That focus led him to confront his giant rather than run away.

For forty days Goliath continued to challenge Israel’s army. And for forty days everyone hoped he would just go away. But giants don’t typically go away until we face them. So David stepped into the gap and slung one well-aimed stone at him — Victory!

Is there a giant calling you out?  Is there a problem, situation, or hurt that is staring you in the face? 

Then, look to Jesus.  Get in His face, “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”   

Looking to Him,

Pastor Kurt