The Lion and the Bear
By R. Marie Thompson

The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:36 (NKJ)

In this exchange we have David volunteering to do what no one else will, take on Goliath because his heart is full of this sentiment found on verse 29, "Is there not a cause?" Saul tells him that he is not able to because he is too young. So often when we feel passionate about standing for God there is someone who will try to tell us that it isn't possible or that we are not able.

I love David's response. Think about it. Here we have the king telling him, "You can't" and David doesn't give in. He doesn't give up on the idea when Saul is telling him how impossible it would be for him to win. David's response, "I've been preparing all my life for this moment. God helped with the lion and the bear when I needed Him and He will help with this Philistine." He didn't say, "He might help." he said "He will deliver me." He had a confidence that God was on his side and that he would help because of his past experiences. He remembered the lion and the bear instead of listening to the, "You can't," words of the king.

We all, like David have times of preparation in our lives and we need to remember past experiences and victories when we are facing new challenges, new giants. He will deliver us! We need to remember what He has done for us and to ignore the, "You can't" when it comes our way because HE WILL HELP!

Today’s writer is a Youth Pastor from New Hampshire who has a love for God and His Word. Contact