Be Strong and Courageous

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

~A.A. Milne

 

Young David was the youngest and least respected of his brothers. His job was to shepherd the family’s flock. This was a lonely, thankless, and often dangerous job as he was regularly confronted by hungry lions and bears.

 

David entertained himself during the long days in the fields by making up songs of praise to the Lord which he sang for no one to hear. He also became an expert at defending himself and his flock with a crudely made slingshot. He could kill a lion or a bear with a single shot because the Lord was with him. But he was constantly teased and underestimated by his brothers.

 

Then one day he was sent to the battleground where his brothers were fighting the giant Goliath. They were afraid, weak, and out of ideas as to how to take down the giant.

 

But young David knew exactly what to do. He grabbed his slingshot and aimed at Goliath’s forehead and in one fell swoop he brought down the giant.

 

Was he afraid? Probably.

 

Was he physically strong? Not really.

 

Was he smarter than everyone else? Not particularly.

 

But he drew on his experience as a lonely, insignificant shepherd and his trust in the Lord to save the Israelites that day.

 

What giant are you facing? Take heart, you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you think!

 

David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1: 8-9)

 

(Photo and commentary courtesy of Beth Briggs Illustration)