1 Samuel 17:1
"Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled?at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh?and Azekah?"
Judah means the house of praise. Why did the Philistines prevail? This is a test of faith. Do not look at Goliath, but look at the place where we are standing, which is Judah. Look upon God's promises. Look upon Jesus before anything happens. In faith there is hope, choose to believe.
1 Samuel 17:11 & 16
"On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand."
Today, the problem that overrules us must be presented to God. When we go to war, we must use our faith, not our understanding. David made the right decision by not letting his giant overrule him. Problems will teach us to be more diligent.
Tell our souls: "Problems, you are at the feet of my Lord. I will definitely beat you.”
In our problems, Satan does not want our lives, but he wants our faith. Satan knows that we will be used by God, he knows God's chosen people.
What Satan wants to beat:
- Faith
Satan wants us to get out of trouble by losing faith and becoming less believing in God. - Hope
Satan wants us to be atheists without hope in God. - Love
Satan wants us to be bitter and disappointed with God.
1 Samuel 17:40
"Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."
As David took the stones from the stream bed, what we learn from the foundation of God's word will not be in vain. The foundation is also about of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Whatever is coming out from it will be eternal.
In 2 Samuel, there are 4 more giants killed by David's men. David only used 1 stone, the other 4 stones he used to raise new people. When we are strong, strengthen our brothers. Use the rest of our faith to pray for fellow believers, then God will take care of our problems.
Excerpted from Ps. Philip Mantofa's Sermon, 6 May 2021, Youtube & Instagram Live
https://youtu.be/v2NLYbfyU5k
