If I asked a church group to name their favorite Bible story, David and Goliath would surely get several votes. The classic plot of underdog-beats-bully appeals to most of us. In addition, David provides a powerful example of faith in the face of fear.
This familiar story was the reading assignment during my Bible study one morning almost thirty years ago. But a new lesson awaited me that day, and has impacted my life ever since.
Following the reading of 1 Samuel 17, the study guide asked: “How did David’s past experiences of the Lord’s deliverance give him confidence to face the present challenge?” The author was referring to the bears and lions David had defeated while caring for his father’s sheep (vs. 34-36). Such experiences had prepared David to face Goliath with faith and courage.
Then came the clincher question: “What practical lessons does this teach us about the value of remembering, and the importance of proving God’s presence and power in ordinary daily living?”
I could easily recall several outstanding experiences when God’s presence and power were definitely at work in my life. But I knew there were many more which had slipped out the back door of my memory and were gone forever.
So I decided to begin writing down instances of God’s presence and power. Then when Goliath-sized problems arose in my life, I could review those entries and build up my faith.
The first incident occurred that very afternoon. I locked myself out of the house as Jeremy, our youngest, and I left to pick up his older brother and sister from school. My pastor-husband, Steve, was attending a meeting forty-five minutes away followed by other appointments and wouldn’t be home until late that night. To make matters worse, dinner was simmering on the stove. (Remember, this happened nearly thirty years ago, before cell phones.)
I did have the car keys so we drove to school and started to pray for God to help us. Upon returning, I tried every door and window. Nothing budged. We went to a neighbor’s house. I started to call several leaders from our church, hoping someone would have a parsonage key.
During the second or third call, who should pull up in the driveway but Steve! His meeting had adjourned early. With a few spare minutes on his way to another appointment, Steve thought he’d stop by to see the kids. Our car in the neighbor’s driveway indicated where we were.
Now some folks would call that mere coincidence. Not I. That was a God-incidence, and it became the first entry in my “God Is Faithful” journal. I concluded that record with this prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for this little miracle, for proving your power and presence to me the very day I determined to look for it. You are a great and marvelous God, yet you cared for one forgetful mother with one small problem.
P.S. That journal now contains over 900 entries of remarkable gifts and events!
What indication of God’s presence and power have you experienced recently?
(art credit: http://www.livingfaithtogether.wordpress.com)
I need to make a blessings journal again. Long story short, Jim left it in the cart at Walmart. I didn’t have alot in it because I just started it Dec. 14. I know something big happened that day, but I don’t not what.
I learned about God’s timing around the time my dad died and it is ingrained in me, NOTHING is by chance! God is in full control!! I’m thrilled to see you blog up and running now. Can’t wait to hear and learn more from you. Nancy S. (Francis)
Thank you, Nancy, for being the first to comment and for your positive input! I’m delighted you’re considering another blessings journal. The discipline provides a number of benefits, as you know.
What a great idea! You should publish a book, Nancy. The Lord provided me with several little miracles while my Brother Mick was passing away 6 1/2 years ago, assuring me that Mick was born-again and passing into the Lord’s presence. I wish I had written the others down. Looking forward to more of your posts. Love, Cheri G.
Thank you, Cheri. Your encouragement, especially about writing a book, warms my heart–big time. As it happens, I have written a book and am seeking publication. Concerning Mick: How wonderful that God provided you with comfort and strength through those little miracles! But we’re still left wondering, as loved ones leave us, Why didn’t God give us the one miracle we wanted most of all? How I wish I had the answer for you, for others, for myself! Love you, Cheri.
How wonderful that you have written a book already. I can’t wait to hear more about it. As for Mick, he was unhappy here on earth; I have confidence he is with our Lord and Savior. Oh how true it is that our times are not the same as God’s times…I believe the phrase goes something like that…
Also, would you and Steve please hold my youngest nephew, Drew, up in prayer? He is seeking and wants to turn his life around. Drew is Mick’s youngest son and is 33. He has backslided (I think that’s a word!) and needs prayer. The desire is there and that’s the first step. Thanks very much in advance. Love, Cheri.
I have added Drew to my prayer list, Cheri. He’s the same age as our Jeremy. We’ll look forward to an inspiring report!