GOD IS WITH US

After 23 years of teaching, I am now enjoying my retirement. On Mondays, I enjoy meeting with two small groups of teacher friends. We have been using my devotional book God Is with Us: A Teacher Devotional to guide in our Bible study. The first week we focused on the strength, courage, and confidence that David had because he knew that God was with him.

When reading Little Pilgrim's Progress, it was interesting that Little Christian, the main character, found great comfort in David's story. "...for if the King had helped David, no doubt He would be ready to help any other little pilgrim who trusted in Him."

David's victory over Goliath has encouraged me and many others over the years. He had a vision, used his youthful wisdom, strength, and confidence. Because David knew that God was with him, he approached the gigantic challenge without fear.

1. David had a vision. - "Is there not a cause?" *See potential for God's good.

2. David used the weapons that he was familiar with. *Use what God has given you to meet all your challenges.

3. David knew his strength came from God. *Our strength comes from God - Philippians 4:13

4. David courage came because he knew that God was going to defeat Goliath. *We can have confidence because God has begun the work in us. - Philippians 1:6

When David released his stone from the sling God planted it perfectly in Goliath's forehead to kill him. Just as God was with David, we can find hope that God is with us!

(Helen L. Taylor, Little Pilgrim's Progress: From Paul Bunyan's Classic, Moody Publishers, Chicago, 2006, p 74)