Problems and Power

July 4, 2019

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath. David was a young man, probably early teens, when he accepted the challenge no full-grown trained military man would take. The Israelites had a big problem. A giant of an enemy was taunting them, challenging in the then-common “one for all” strategy. One man would represent each entire nation and army, and whichever man won the battle would win for the nation. It saved lives and eliminated large-scale battles if the challenge was accepted.

Goliath was the giant who represented the Philistines. The Israelites were terrified and humiliated because no one, not even their king, was brave enough to pick up the challenge. Then young David showed up to deliver food to his older brothers who were soldiers there. He immediately focused on the power of God instead of the size of the problem. He believed that God could use him to defeat the enemy. As the legendary story goes, he felled the giant who intimidated an entire nation, with just a small stone and a slingshot! His underdog status didn’t hinder him—it made the story better and showcased the power of God.

That’s the way God works with people who focus on His purpose and power instead of the problem. As Paul said centuries after David, God’s power shows up best when we are at our weakest. God isn’t looking for people who are strong and able to “leap buildings in a single bound.” He is looking for people who understand that HIS strength is their source of strength, and are courageous enough to step up in His power.

If you have a Goliath of a problem, your size and strength don’t matter. HIS does. You are right at the place of opportunity to take your David limitations and combine them with His strength. You can see that giant come tumbling down.

• This morning, what problem is scaring you and holding you hostage to your fears and inadequacies?
• Talk to God about it. Tell Him you know you can’t handle this, but you have shown up for duty anyway. Affirm that you are expecting His power to shine through your weaknesses. Ask Him to tell you what to do, then do it.