Our Daily Walk with God

Chris' Corner -- Sunday, August 8, 2021

Last week, at the children’s sing-a-long session before Bible study, we sang, “There was a little boy David.” This favorite childhood story emphasizes some lessons every adult should learn on the topics of faith and courage.

At his father’s direction, David went to check on his brothers serving in the army of Israel under the leadership of King Saul. Immediately David expressed his righteous indignation over the defiant threat of Goliath against God’s people.

David volunteered to face this ungodly pagan giant in the name of the Lord. Not even the king had been willing to accept the challenge. Saul was not willing to let David face this experienced Philistine warrior because he was “just a youth” (1 Samuel 17:33). David insisted he also was experienced. He told Saul, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God” (17:36).

David’s experiences as a shepherd gave him the training necessary to protect the flock from severe and dangerous threats. Through these confrontations, this young man also grew spiritually. His trust in God developed into a strong, fearless faith. He had no doubt he would be successful in bringing down this heathen soldier.

The lesson to learn here is this; spiritual growth comes from daily living and facing day-to-day challenges along the way. We can’t expect to develop a strong faith by merely attending a few public church services each week. We don’t minimize these important and enjoyable gatherings, but spiritual development will be determined by what happens during the other days of the week. Confidence can be ours if we have the 24/7 experiences and training in faith. We cannot expect to face the severe challenges of the ungodly and the devil himself when they rear their ugly heads if we haven’t persevered every day.

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3, 4). “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

God and His will need to be an integral part of our everyday lives. If this is not true for us, we cannot expect to overcome the difficult challenges that could arise at any time, on any day. Paul gave us the instructions in Romans 12:1, 2. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

A living sacrifice is a constant everyday sacrifice. David was not a part-time shepherd. He met every challenge and confrontation with faith and confidence because he was on the job every day. He is our example to accomplish the same.