Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17:12–37
Key Verse: Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
As a young shepherd boy, David did not possess all the qualities of a strong, conquering faith. God took years to train him for his future role as a king of Israel. However, he never lost sight of God’s goal for his life by fretting over the future.
When facing his first major challenge with Goliath, David mentally went through several steps to ensure himself of the victory through faith:
Recall past victories. David remembered God’s past faithfulness and was encouraged.
Reaffirm the reasons for the conflict. Make sure your motives and heart are pure before God.
Reject discouragement. Always be wary of pessimism. Instead, practice recalling God’s promises to you.
Recognize the true nature of the battle. Claim your position in Christ as a joint heir and a beloved child of God.
Respond with positive confessions of faith. God is in control, and He will give you the victory.
Rely on God. All your hope and security is in Christ. You struggle with human abilities and limitations, but God knows no limits.
Reckon the victory. David did, and you can too! Whether the victory comes today or in ten years, God will complete what He has begun in your life (Phil. 1:6).
Dear Lord, thank You for past victories. As I face the battles of life, make my motives pure. Help me resist discouragement and claim my position as a joint heir with Christ. Your power knows no limit, and You will complete what You have started in my life.[1]
[1] Stanley, C. F. (1999). On holy ground (p. 17). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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