Private Battles Have Purpose
Thursday, January 2
1 Samuel 17:34-40 (NKJV)
“But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 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.” Moreover David said, “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.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.”
Devoción
Young David stood in front of Saul. He was skinny and scrawny compared to the soldiers at Saul’s disposal. The giant Philistine, Goliath, had been mocking and cursing God and Saul’s army. No soldier dared to fight the giant.
Long before ever making it to the battlefield, David had already made a decision in his heart. He decided to dedicate himself to the Lord. The Lord brought David through battles before - all of which were private until this point. As a shepherd in the field, David battled a lion and a bear. David’s victory in both of those battles happened when no one was watching. Those battles were necessary for David. Goliath would have never fallen if God had not firstly brought David through those private battles. In those private battles, David gained conviction and experience that were necessary for the battle he was about to have with the giant. The battles that happen in private have purpose.
The private battles, the ones only God knows about, are necessary for the battles that will be had in public. Everything that God does has a purpose. God will use the private battles, struggles, and wrestling to mature and purify His beloved. The Holy Spirit will convict for His purpose.
When the public victory comes, it’s for God’s glory. God will use the battles of His beloved to influence and encourage others. After David killed Goliath, the Israeli army followed by attacking. It only took one young David to influence the whole Israeli army into action. Private battles have purpose.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Just as I need to work on my relationship with those close to me, I know that I need to build my relationship with You. I sincerely long to have Your wisdom and strength to be prepared for all that life or the enemy may throw at me. In order to be ready to stand firm, I commit more time to studying Your Word and communing with You each day. Thank You for seeing me through to a victorious life, in the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Take a strategic look at your private relationship with God. Who are you behind closed doors, when no one is watching? Do you, like David, spend time each day communing with Him? Are you building your strength and wisdom with Him daily so that when the battles come, you will be ready to fight and be victorious? Begin today preparing for your battles.
Recursos:
- Watch this short clip, “Let God Fight For You”, and be encouraged to bring your battles to the Lord, and let Him fight for you.
- David grew in his knowledge of the word of God because he took the time to study. Join a Connect Group today and grow with fellow believers.