Wind Blown

It's raining leaves. The weather report promises wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Evidence of the accuracy of that report is visible outside my living room window. As the wind blows and the leaves fall, the tree branches are slowly stripped of their colorful foliage. Soon the trees will be bare, until spring once again clothes them with new life.

Life is often punctuated by strong 'wind gusts.' I'm sure you've experienced them - unexpected bills, sudden illnesses, difficulties that rock you to your core. As the 'gusts' strip us of the comforts we hold onto, do we stay standing? Does our faith allow us to cling to the One who can see us through every tempest?

Consider David, Israel's second king. Imagine his wonder and excitement when he was anointed by the prophet, Samuel. David was little more than a youth at the time. I think he knew it would be awhile before he would rule the kingdom, but I'm not sure he could have imagined that it would be many long years before he would actually wear the crown. Years fraught with extreme difficulty. Running for his life from the very one whom he would succeed.

David was in a tricky position. Shortly after he discovered he would someday be king, David found himself working for the man he'd replace, King Saul. He was hired to play the harp when Saul battled an evil spirit. David had to be wondering how God would promote him from head musician to king!

Things got even more complicated. After defeating Goliath, King Saul awarded David the privilege of marrying his daughter, Michal. Now David was related to the king by marriage - Saul's son-in-law. But there were definitely times when King Saul could barely contain his jealousy and rage around David. It wasn't mere coincidence that the king's javelin had narrowly missed him! What was going on? The 'wind gusts' had to be blowing mighty strong in David's mind!

The truth became obvious. King Saul hated David, and would stop at nothing to kill him. Much as the wind strips the leaves from the trees, difficult circumstances forced David to shed all comfort, and run for his life. Yet in the face of extreme persecution, he didn't give in to the powerful 'gusts' of life, he remained standing.

King Saul pursued David relentlessly over the course of several years. David had to be tired. Worn out by the constant pressure to stay one step ahead of the king and his men. When would the madness end? Twice it appeared that the Lord had delivered King Saul into his hands. Each time David's men counseled him to take Saul's life. Each time David resisted revenge and spared the life of the king.

Ponder David's resolve, "And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed:" (1 Samuel 26:9-11a; KJV). Amazing!

Thirteen to fifteen years after he was anointed by Samuel, David became King of Israel. Did David battle the 'wind gusts' of life? Absolutely! Was he able to stand in spite of the intense storm? No doubt! Through faith, he clung to the One who gave him strength through it all!

Are you battling 'gusts of wind' in your life today? What will you do to remain standing?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials of life that cause me to cling to You. Help me to pray with the Apostle Paul, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, " (Ephesians 6:13). Help me follow the example of David, who chose Your will above his own. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone I’m not. Writing like an author I admire. Or presenting like a Bible teacher I’ve studied under. There’s nothing wrong with admiring great character qualities of other people, but God made me unique – and that’s reason enough to shine for Him with the gifts and abilities He’s given me.

The story of David and Goliath is very familiar. Remember the details? David was the young shepherd boy, who had seven older brothers. Goliath was the Philistine giant who challenged the Israelites to a fight. David found himself in the midst of the Israelites’ camp, when his father sent him to check on his brothers who were part of the army.

The entire Israelite army cowered in fear of Goliath’s threats. His words were brash and bold, punctuated with blasphemy against the God of Israel. David couldn’t believe his ears. As he looked around, he couldn’t believe his eyes. One by one, the men in the army were retreating – taking shelter behind boulders and anything that would give them protection from this formidable enemy.

David knew the God of Israel could prevail. How dare this Philistine defy his God! David presented his case before King Saul: “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine,” (1 Samuel 17:32; KJV). King Saul warned David of the enemy’s ability - pointing out the fact that Goliath was a skilled warrior, having fought in battles since he was young.

David’s confidence didn’t waiver, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee,” (1 Samuel 17:32, 37; KJV).

Saul offered David his armor. David put on the helmet of brass and the coat of mail, girded his sword on his armor, and attempted to go. But something wasn’t right. The armor felt heavy and awkward. David had never worn armor before. Although it might be what the warriors wore, he knew it wasn’t right for him. He took off the protective gear, and exchanged it for what he was skilled at using: his shepherd’s staff, sling and pouch for stones.

Carefully selecting five smooth stones, David made his way toward Goliath. The giant thought this was some sort of Israelite joke, but David’s voice was strong and clear, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied…And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands,” (1 Samuel 17:45, 47).

With one, well-aimed stone, Goliath was killed, and the Philistine army was scattered. David chose to use the abilities God had honed in him, rather than the armor of the warriors. And God used David to win a mighty victory in Israel.

Although I may not have the same skills and abilities other great men and women of God possess, He has equipped me to magnify Him with the talents He’s given me. What an opportunity to develop those talents for His glory!

Do you wish you had someone else’s talents? Take time to praise the Lord for the way He’s equipped you to serve Him, and work on honing your skills today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for allowing me to serve You. Help me to see that each person You’ve created has different talents and abilities. My job is to use what You’ve given me to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.