Success
“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.” (1 Samuel 17:40-51)
Today’s Morsel: I’m sure that most of the men on the battlefield that day gave little hope of David’s success in defeating Goliath. Who would think that a young boy with a slingshot and five stones would even dare to go out to fight against a giant of such stature, and with that much armor on? By all accounts, the only spot that was open on Goliath was between his eyes. But they failed to realize who was fighting on David’s side. God was ordering his steps and actions. What others may think of success, often isn’t how God may see success. The Lord told Joshua that if he never let the words of the law depart out of his mouth that he would be strong and even have good success (Joshua 1:7-9) The Lord even told Samuel when he went to anoint the new king of Israel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) David had a heart for obeying God's Word and we see his success. Sheryl Sandberg said, "If I had to embrace a definition of success it would be that success is making the best choices we can… and accepting them." Our greatest success will be found by us being obedient to the Word of God. Are you making the right choice that will lead you to success?
Sing: Victory, victory shall be mine. Victory, victory shall be mine. If I hold my peace let the Lord fight my battles, victory, victory shall be mine.
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