April 24, 2000

Lesson for May 7

Stand courageously amid spiritual warfare
___ 1 Samuel 17:1-58
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT
___There is spiritual warfare going on all around us as the powers of this world wage war to gain the territory of the souls of men.
___The scene in 1 Samuel 17 is a little easier to identify as war, but no less real. David was the one man willing to fight. Much could be written about the source of his confidence. But let us look at some of the reasons for the victory.
___David was able to identify and stay focused on the real enemy. Many of us get distracted with opposition that removes us from the real battle. David could have expended his energy on a fight with his brother! Verses 28-29 reveal misunderstanding and probable jealousy between Eliab and David. The young man, although discouraged, moved on to follow what the Lord had placed on his heart. We often allow ourselves to be sidetracked from battles with the real enemy to fuss over misunderstandings, differing opinions and less important issues, sometimes even fighting with our brothers.
___David was wise in choosing weapons that were suitable to his skill and the particular situation (17:38-40). We have been given a mighty weapon with divine power. It behooves us to be skilled in using this weapon.
___Paul shared in Ephesians 6:17-18 that we are to take the word of God into our prayer closets and begin the battle there. We must know his word and be disciplined as prayer warriors.
___David was careful to give credit for the victory to the Lord (17:47). We can get so comfortable with seeing God's power working around us that we begin to assume some credit for success.
___Years ago, my husband and many others in our community had great concern over a type of entertainment that was being added to the program of a local establishment. Many wanted Dennis to lead a protest against the establishment, which would have taken a lot of time and energy away from what he felt was his first priority--ministry that opens the door for the Spirit to change the hearts of people, offering them the strength to turn from sinful desires.
___Each battle is different, but in this case, the Lord's desires were clear. Dennis expressed his concerns to the owner of the establishment. The gentleman, confident that public opinion would lean his way, wanted a personal battle thrown into the media. My husband refused, sharing it was not the Lord's desire that he fight with this gentleman. There was a greater enemy.
___Nor was media the weapon the Lord desired to use. Christians would merely continue to pray that the Lord would move in his heart and the circumstances. The establishment burned to the ground weeks later, through faulty wiring. No one was hurt. The gentleman decided not to re-build.
___For those who have recognized and stayed focused on the real enemy, chosen and skillfully used divine weapons, and continually served to the praise of his glory--thank you. We have seen into the heart of God through you.

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