David said to the Philistine, “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
In verses leading up to this climactic point in the story of David vs. Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:7 states that “His (Goliath’s) shield bearer went ahead of him.” To have a shield bearer indicated that a warrior was of prestige. David had no shield bearer. In fact, there is no mention of him even having a shield. But David had something greater. He had the Lord’s presence with him. Similar to the Israelites wandering in the desert, the Lord’s presence went before David. The Lord of Heaven’s armies shielded David from Goliath and infused him with divine courage to defeat the giant once and for all.
The Lord’s presence is as powerful today as it was back then. Even so, it is easy to discount the power and authority of Jesus in our lives and turn to ourselves or things of this world to find strength. But when we humble ourselves and admit our weaknesses to the Lord of Heaven’s armies, God can deliver us from the paw of the lions and bears in our lives. When we recognize that we are not enough, but are brave enough to step out in faith, God’s power meets us. There is a beautiful margin of grace, found through humility that is fully confident in Christ (A.K.A. meekness), that unleashes mountain moving power when we access it. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “my grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” These are the words of the Lord.
We are not perfect. We’re just not. Even as Christ followers, we have weaknesses and sin dappled throughout our lives. But the good news is that when we bring our shortcomings before the Lord, he is able to shield us with his love and grace.
The Lord Jesus Christ bore our shield on the cross, once and for all. Because of what Jesus did for you and me, we no longer have to slink back in fear of defeat. God is with us. The battle has already been won. With this knowledge, we can approach God’s Kingdom expansion plans with an offensive mindset.
The reward the King has to offer is a Heavenly prize, an eternal crown. So let’s run this race in such a way that we might receive the prize. Let’s live by faith and conquer our fears of failure through the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our shield bearer.
Unlike Goliath’s shield bearer, who was nowhere to be found when David drew his sword, our shield bearer sticks by our side, come what may. Throughout the highs and lows of motherhood, and the ever changing seasons of this life, Christ’s grace is forever and always present, and more than enough.
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. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for being ever-present in my life. Thank you for going before me in motherhood and in life. You pave a way, and your ways are good. Help me to walk humbly with you and rely on you as the leader of my life, always. In Jesus’ lovely name, amen.
Steps of Faith:
Read the story of David and Goliath, 1 Samuel 17, today.
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