“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied”
I Samuel 17:45.
I recently read again the wonderful story of David and Goliath. I picked these five little stones from the gravel of the ruins of Azekah, Israel – which overlooks the valley of Elah where that great confrontation occurred. It makes me think of the inner confidence of faith that can fuel the direction of a Christian.
For forty days, at the time of the morning and evening sacrifice, the huge Philistine champion Goliath had roared a challenge to personal, representational combat to the death. The bible says that the whole Israelite army was dismayed and terrified. They all personalized the grisly sense of being pulled apart limb by limb. And into this demoralized scene comes the young man David – by all evidence a gross mismatch for this battle, but the only one who had inner confidence from God.
He was confident in his personal experience and ability as a shepherd – he knew how to take on the wild beast, so he was not afraid. He also took the affront to the Lord seriously – he truly believed that God would give him the victory. He didn’t think about dismemberment – he thought about bringing freedom to his people and vindication to his God.
There is a lesson for us who live in the age of the Spirit from this great Old Testament story – for this was surely an Encounter of faith. Paul tells us in Roman 8:16: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” He who dwells within us will commune with us. Paul also reminds us in Ephesians 2:8, 9 that we have been saved by grace through faith that is not our own – it is a gift from God.
I see a partnership with the Holy Spirit here. He gives us faith for our needs – He encounters us with faith sometimes when we really need it – He witnesses with our spirit.
But there is also a part for us to play. We study to show ourselves approved; we spend time in spiritual disciplines – we do the background work that qualifies us to step into issues He has for us. As Charles Kingsley said: “Keep your tools ready and God will find you work.”
The whole issue of the Spirit speaking to our spirit is a huge one, which if we aren’t careful can be abused. We’ve probably all heard times when a Christian has declared another person healed and then it just wasn’t so. Who is to blame? I think its always appropriate to examine our motives when we sense the Spirit speaking to our own spirit. Who stands to gain by what I am sensing? Will other Christians be encouraged and take heart? Whose name will be declared great? Is my direction supported by scripture and by others who I know and trust? If so, then act on what the Lord is giving you faith for!
Pastor Leon Throness
Set Sunday evening December 1 aside for an Encounter Advent service – 7pm in the chapel. This will be a thoughtful worshipful time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Saviour.
