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- Feb 9, 2004
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KEY PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 17:20-51
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:30-32; 16:8; 17:20, Luke 12:28 | Philippians 4:6-7
Faith is at the heart of the Christian life.
We need it to believe that God exists, that He forgives sins, and that we have a secure home in heaven. Without faith, we cannot have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yet many believers struggle with fully trusting the Lord. Even the disciples—who had the privilege of walking with Jesus in the flesh—occasionally doubted Him.
Sometimes we have the same problem. Our faith begins to wane when our prayers seem to go unanswered or adversity strikes. But the thrilling thing about the Christian life is that our heavenly Father hears us when we pray. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. As long as what we ask is within His will, He is pleased to meet our needs and fulfill many of the desires of our hearts.
SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES:
How did David demonstrate his trust in God?
The story of David and Goliath illustrates the importance of trusting the Lord completely— especially when we face overwhelming challenges. The Israelite army was at war with the Philistines. For 40 days, a fierce warrior named Goliath had challenged the Israelites to send a soldier to fight him man to man. Since no one responded to his challenge, the Philistine ridiculed them. The entire Israelite army— including the king—was terrified of this giant, who was not only an experienced fighter but more than nine-feet tall.
In contrast, David focused on the spiritual nature of the battle. He asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). Later, he told Goliath, “This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S” (1 Sam. 17:46-47). After declaring his victory, David killed the giant with one stone from his slingshot. With their champion defeated, the Philistine army quickly lost heart—enabling the Israelites to overtake them and win the battle.
A shepherd boy with no armor, no shield, no sword, and no javelin—armed with only five smooth stones—was able to triumph over a much larger, well-equipped, and experienced warrior. That’s the power of faith in the one true God.
What was the key to David’s victory?
David had many characteristics that made him a good fighter. Since he was young, he must have been quick on his feet. He had killed a lion and a bear, so he was probably strong. He was accurate with his sling. We know he was a capable warrior since he had protected his f lock from wild animals. And he was certainly courageous. But none of those things were the key to his success against Goliath.
The future king realized that the Philistine wasn’t just challenging the Israelite army—he was mocking their God. Although David saw the same imposing giant as everyone else, he realized Goliath was already defeated. David saw the final picture—the giant’s death—before he ever picked up a stone for his slingshot. He knew the Lord would give him the victory.
How can you know if you are fully trusting God?
There are three levels of faith. One says, “I know the Lord can do this.” A second states, “I know that He will do it—at least for some people.” The highest level of faith declares, “It’s as good as done.” God can give us the ability to see something as finished. And if you have misunderstood His will, He will gently correct you.
How can you know if you are operating on the highest level of faith? You no longer fret. Worry reveals that you are not fully trusting God. When you rely completely on Him, you will stop pleading with the Lord and begin to thank Him for answering your prayer. If you are a believer, God has assumed responsibility for your life. You can trust Him to meet your needs and take care of you in every situation and circumstance.
What are the requirements for life-changing faith?
Clean your heart. An inability to trust God fully is evidence that there is impurity in your life. Even a small amount of sin such as bitterness, unforgiveness, or pride will hinder your fellowship with Him.
Clear your mind. When your heart is clean, you will be able to see with God’s perspective.
Make sure your motives are pure. Is your objective righteous? Or is your request selfish? David fought Goliath to demonstrate the power of the one true God. First determine what the will of the Lord is for your situation; then you will be able to pray with confidence.
Focus on the Lord. King Saul and the Israelite army failed to look at the situation with eyes of faith. Their attention was focused on Goliath’s size, experience, and superior weapons. David set his mind on the power of God to deliver the Philistine warrior into his hands.
Often when we approach the Lord in prayer, our concentration isn’t on Him. We dwell on our emotions, the facts, and the opinions of others; all three are enemies to effective faith.
Visualize the answer to your prayer. The world has taken the term “visualize” and twisted it. But it can actually be a God-given tool to strengthen your faith. Long before First Baptist Atlanta considered asking me to lead the church, God told me I would be their senior pastor. When a controversy sprang up over calling me, I could picture myself preaching to the congregation as their spiritual leader. Visualizing gave me a confidence that God would fulfill His will and helped me trust Him in the midst of that storm.
Walk in the light of the finished product.
In other words, live as if it’s only a matter of time before your prayer is answered. Your part is to discover His will, surrender to Him, and wait on His timing. When you walk in this level of faith, you will have an awesome sense of peace and contentment (Phil. 4:6-7).
CONCLUSION:
One of the most exciting revelations in God’s Word is that the Father wants to be intimately involved in our lives. You might think you aren’t important enough for Him to intervene on your behalf. But the Lord doesn’t play favorites—He will work powerfully in any believer’s life.
Have you grown accustomed to a life filled with doubt and unbelief? My prayer is that you will learn to trust God completely. The secret to victorious faith is to dwell on the Father’s ability to handle your problems. Confess your sins, focus on Him, and completely surrender to His will. Then live as if your request has been granted, and you will never be the same.
The Thrill of Trusting God
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:30-32; 16:8; 17:20, Luke 12:28 | Philippians 4:6-7
Faith is at the heart of the Christian life.
We need it to believe that God exists, that He forgives sins, and that we have a secure home in heaven. Without faith, we cannot have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yet many believers struggle with fully trusting the Lord. Even the disciples—who had the privilege of walking with Jesus in the flesh—occasionally doubted Him.
Sometimes we have the same problem. Our faith begins to wane when our prayers seem to go unanswered or adversity strikes. But the thrilling thing about the Christian life is that our heavenly Father hears us when we pray. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. As long as what we ask is within His will, He is pleased to meet our needs and fulfill many of the desires of our hearts.
SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES:
How did David demonstrate his trust in God?
The story of David and Goliath illustrates the importance of trusting the Lord completely— especially when we face overwhelming challenges. The Israelite army was at war with the Philistines. For 40 days, a fierce warrior named Goliath had challenged the Israelites to send a soldier to fight him man to man. Since no one responded to his challenge, the Philistine ridiculed them. The entire Israelite army— including the king—was terrified of this giant, who was not only an experienced fighter but more than nine-feet tall.
In contrast, David focused on the spiritual nature of the battle. He asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). Later, he told Goliath, “This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S” (1 Sam. 17:46-47). After declaring his victory, David killed the giant with one stone from his slingshot. With their champion defeated, the Philistine army quickly lost heart—enabling the Israelites to overtake them and win the battle.
A shepherd boy with no armor, no shield, no sword, and no javelin—armed with only five smooth stones—was able to triumph over a much larger, well-equipped, and experienced warrior. That’s the power of faith in the one true God.
What was the key to David’s victory?
David had many characteristics that made him a good fighter. Since he was young, he must have been quick on his feet. He had killed a lion and a bear, so he was probably strong. He was accurate with his sling. We know he was a capable warrior since he had protected his f lock from wild animals. And he was certainly courageous. But none of those things were the key to his success against Goliath.
The future king realized that the Philistine wasn’t just challenging the Israelite army—he was mocking their God. Although David saw the same imposing giant as everyone else, he realized Goliath was already defeated. David saw the final picture—the giant’s death—before he ever picked up a stone for his slingshot. He knew the Lord would give him the victory.
How can you know if you are fully trusting God?
There are three levels of faith. One says, “I know the Lord can do this.” A second states, “I know that He will do it—at least for some people.” The highest level of faith declares, “It’s as good as done.” God can give us the ability to see something as finished. And if you have misunderstood His will, He will gently correct you.
How can you know if you are operating on the highest level of faith? You no longer fret. Worry reveals that you are not fully trusting God. When you rely completely on Him, you will stop pleading with the Lord and begin to thank Him for answering your prayer. If you are a believer, God has assumed responsibility for your life. You can trust Him to meet your needs and take care of you in every situation and circumstance.
What are the requirements for life-changing faith?
Clean your heart. An inability to trust God fully is evidence that there is impurity in your life. Even a small amount of sin such as bitterness, unforgiveness, or pride will hinder your fellowship with Him.
Clear your mind. When your heart is clean, you will be able to see with God’s perspective.
Make sure your motives are pure. Is your objective righteous? Or is your request selfish? David fought Goliath to demonstrate the power of the one true God. First determine what the will of the Lord is for your situation; then you will be able to pray with confidence.
Focus on the Lord. King Saul and the Israelite army failed to look at the situation with eyes of faith. Their attention was focused on Goliath’s size, experience, and superior weapons. David set his mind on the power of God to deliver the Philistine warrior into his hands.
Often when we approach the Lord in prayer, our concentration isn’t on Him. We dwell on our emotions, the facts, and the opinions of others; all three are enemies to effective faith.
Visualize the answer to your prayer. The world has taken the term “visualize” and twisted it. But it can actually be a God-given tool to strengthen your faith. Long before First Baptist Atlanta considered asking me to lead the church, God told me I would be their senior pastor. When a controversy sprang up over calling me, I could picture myself preaching to the congregation as their spiritual leader. Visualizing gave me a confidence that God would fulfill His will and helped me trust Him in the midst of that storm.
Walk in the light of the finished product.
In other words, live as if it’s only a matter of time before your prayer is answered. Your part is to discover His will, surrender to Him, and wait on His timing. When you walk in this level of faith, you will have an awesome sense of peace and contentment (Phil. 4:6-7).
CONCLUSION:
One of the most exciting revelations in God’s Word is that the Father wants to be intimately involved in our lives. You might think you aren’t important enough for Him to intervene on your behalf. But the Lord doesn’t play favorites—He will work powerfully in any believer’s life.
Have you grown accustomed to a life filled with doubt and unbelief? My prayer is that you will learn to trust God completely. The secret to victorious faith is to dwell on the Father’s ability to handle your problems. Confess your sins, focus on Him, and completely surrender to His will. Then live as if your request has been granted, and you will never be the same.
The Thrill of Trusting God
