Evil is on the loose. Goliath-like, it stands across the valley and mocks our once-civilized society. Since we’ve rejected the Bible’s God for our own selfish ways, it laughs at our attempts to salvage the benefits of a Christian worldview while we’re unwilling to take seriously the Bible’s claims. That’s impossible.
What to do? Many, like Saul and his tough guys, hide in fear, hoping against hope that things will improve. But no political, economic, or cultural revival can slay the giant.
Enter David. He sees the standoff, and wonders why no one is willing to do what has to be done. “Is there not a cause?” he asks. (1 Samuel 17:29) There is indeed.
Rejecting Saul’s armor, he takes his trusty sling and stoops at the brook to select five smooth stones. Of course, it isn’t the stones he’s trusting. As he says to Goliath, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…whom you have defied.” (v 45) As it was then, so it is now—the only strategy for personal or national victory is being willing to stand with God.
Last week I was honored to speak at the graduation of a group of men inside Central Prison. God has been transforming their lives. I described the giants lurking about, waiting to take us down: Fear, Temptation, Greed, Unforgiveness, Failure, and the like.
Then I pointed out five smooth stones selected by the stalwarts of every age to boldly face giants in God’s name. Use these and giants fall.
Here’s the first, when facing life’s challenges: “GOD IS ABLE to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) But you can’t have grace for living unless first “by grace you are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, BLB)
Here’s a trusty projectile to use in times of temptation: “He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest…For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, HE IS ABLE to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:17-18) Whatever you do, don’t run FROM Jesus when you’re being tempted—run TO Him!
In times of deep need? HE “IS ABLE to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20) You can’t out-ask Him!
What about when doubts arise, when your Christian life has cost you deeply? Here’s Paul’s answer: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) As the old hymn says, “It will be worth it all When we see Jesus.” (Esther Rusthoi)
And what about when facing fears or failure? Listen to this! “To HIM WHO IS ABLE to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)
In God’s Name, go get ’em!
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Saturday, February 10, 2024.