A Stone, A Sling, And The Power Of God

So many times we totally underestimate God. Perhaps it's in a moment when our faith isn't as strong as it should be. Or in moments of doubt or uncertainty. Or even in times of crisis such as a financial hardship issue, or a relationship issue, or a health issue, when we think we are in an impossible situation. 

Unfortunately, sometimes when we are in such situations, we forget about God all together. In those moments especially, we can feel like there is absolutely no way that things can or will work out. Let me remind you of one thing: nothing is impossible with God! 

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

Jesus was very serious when He said these things. He looked at His listeners "intently". With God, what seems impossible, is possible! 

The story of David and Goliath drives home this truth. Goliath totally underestimated the one true God. On the contrary, David didn't second guess God's ability at all. David told King Saul, "The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:37)

The armies on both sides were positioned to fight, but this was going to be one-on-one, winner-take-all battle. So David and Goliath started toward each other. David picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.

"Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy." (1 Samuel 17:37)

David, however, spoke up confidently, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45)

Then what seemed impossible happened. It was the power of God in action. It was David's complete faith in action. As he approached Goliath, he said, "And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

 As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword." (1 Samuel 17:47-50)

I don't know what your battles are. But if there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, no possible solution, remember the words of Jesus, "Everything is possible with God".