Warriors Arise: July 21, 2022
1 Samuel 17:40-42 (NKJV) And he drew near to the Philistine. 41 So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.
The end of verse 40 shows us David entered the battlefield. He must be a pretty good distance away. Many believe when he sent the stone flying, he was at least 100 yards away. That would be the length of a football field, not including the end zones. He must have been a pretty good distance. I even picture the Philistine sitting down and his shield bearer beside him. With the way it is written, I am led to believe they saw David, but they didn't really see David. They knew someone was coming onto the battlefield but they had not identified him. We know the Philistine and his shield bearer drew near to David. I love what comes next, "And when the Philistine looked about and saw David…"
He didn't really see David the first time, he just knew someone was coming down the field. But when he saw David, analyzing his opponent, he was not happy. Can't you hear the thoughts rolling in the Philistine's mind, "Who is this punk kid that is coming onto my battlefield?"
I would like the liberty to flip this. How did the enemy, the Philistines, get this far? How did they get onto the land of the Israelites? Here is what I want to share in the flip, the enemy will take as much ground as you will give him. He will take it all if you do not take a stand. At some point there has to be a confrontation. We have to be prepared and ready to confront the enemy who has taken from us. It would be best if this confrontation happened before he gets on our land. When the Philistines came onto the land, they were stealing what God had given to them. There are things God has promised you and He gave them to you, but later when the enemy comes to take it away we have to be ready to take a stand. We have to know this is ours, this is what God has given me. We have to deicide if what God has given us is worth protecting, developing, producing, and prospering. We have to decide if we are willing to do the work to defend what God has given us. God is so incredibly good. He gives excellent gifts. He has given you and me wonderful promises that have become reality in our lives. However, over the years, the enemy has come again and again to see if we will let him have what is ours.
When God had given you a purpose to life but hard times come do you quit?
When God has given you a spouse, and you find out this marriage thing is challenging, do you quit?
When God gives you children and they act disrespectful or turn their back on what you have taught them do you give up and quit on them?
When God gives you people to encourage, lift up, support, and disciple, but they turn a deaf ear to you do you throw in the towel and quit?
When God gives you a home and things start to breakdown do you let the house fall apart around you because you didn't do the work to maintain the house, do you quit?
When God gives you a job and a conflict arrises or you become discouraged, do you quit?
These are all examples of times we have allowed the Philistines to get us to give up a piece or all of what God has given us. Each one of these, God promised to us, but when hard times come whether it is our flesh, worldly influence or the devil, do you quit?
When the enemy comes, how quickly do you get into position to confront him? As we flip this situation, see that the Philstine gets up and he has his shield bearer before him. When the enemy comes to take what God has given you, how quickly do you get up and get into place? Do you see him in a distance? Do you respond before you can even recognize who the enemy is and what kind of a warrior you are facing? The Philistine saw David but he hadn't evaluated him. He could see someone was walking onto the battlefield. How close do the enemy get to you before you get up and face him? The Philistine moved into position before he recognized David was a youth. Before you can recognize what you are facing, do you at least see the enemy is coming to bring you a battle?
Father, I do not like to be in conflict. I do not like to see the enemy coming. I have put blinders on and can see where the enemy has made himself comfortable in what You have given me. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to get so close and take so much before I get into battle position. Forgive me for not being ready for the battle. Forgive me for not being alert. I have thought so little of what You have given me, I didn't realize how valuable Your gift has been. Help me to be more sensitive to being overcome by the influences of the world, allowing my flesh to rule, and wanting to ignore the devil. I must be vigilant to defend what You have given me. You have blessed me with family, friends, and purpose. I ask for You to open my eyes to see where I am about to give away what You have given me. I ask to be prepared to stand my ground and not give the enemy an inch. I will meet the enemy at the boarder and refuse to allow him to step onto what You have given me in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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