Defeating The Enemy

Just Pebbles on the BeachImage by -RobW- via Flickr


David...selected...five stones
1 Samuel 17:40

Just like 'David...selected five...stones from the brook,' here are five stones you can use to defeat the enemy:

1) The stone of past successes. Recalling his earlier victories David declared, 'God, who delivered me from the...lion and...bear, will deliver me from this Philistine' (1 Samuel 17:37 TM). Write your defeats in sand but carve your victories in stone by keeping track of God's faithfulness and the 'marvellous works...He has done' (1 Chronicles 16:12 NKJV). Has He ever failed you? No, and He won't now!

2) The stone of prayer. 'Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare' (Ephesians 6:18 TM); you can't win without it. David 'strengthened himself in the Lord' (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). When Saul came after him he called on God, his 'defense and refuge' (Psalm 59:16 NKJV).

3) The stone of priority. God's priority is His reputation, and David's objective was to defend it by proving 'There is a God in Israel' (1 Samuel 17:46). Involving God in your situation gives Him an opportunity to showcase His grace and power.

4) The stone of passion. You can't stare at your giant forever. Rehearsing your hurts won't heal them and cataloguing your problems won't solve them. You must go out and face the enemy, knowing 'the battle is the Lord's' (v. 47).

5) The stone of perseverance. Solomon said, 'The diligent make use of everything they find' (Proverbs 12:27 NLT). David picked five stones because he didn't know how many he'd need to do the job. Like Yogi Berra, the American baseball player, said, 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' so be prepared to go the distance. It may take more than a day, a month or even a year to see results but with God's help you'll win.

Taken from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Comments

I was particularly touched by, "The stone of passion. You can't stare at your giant forever. Rehearsing your hurts won't heal them and cataloging your problems won't solve them. You must go out and face the enemy, knowing 'the battle is the Lord's' (v. 47)." I think we are called as Paul exhorts us, "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 5:4-7; NAB)Then the Spirit, that abides in us, will aid us as we "do battle". Good Day to you!
Angie said…
As I said in my post on 11/9 at my blog, Mike's words always match so well the wonderful photos that he uses. Well said, bro! Awesome post as always...
TMM said…
Thats an awesome picture and yes, great principles
Suz. said…
Thanks! I like this post.
inspired said…
David had 5 stones and a sling ; Jesus had 5 wounds on a cross :'
Gudl said…
I was just thinking this morning myself 'the battle belongs to the Lord'.
Nice reminder. Thanks!
Lance said…
You always touch my heart with your writings.
Blessings as always,
Lance
Wanda said…
What a wonderful group of stones. Stones to live by.
Thanks Mike, you always give us so much to think about and reflect on.
Unknown said…
The stone of passion makes a lot of sense for I myself have been seeing much changes at facing the enemy head on.

I like how this photo was created, nice work.
Shosannah said…
A great post! As always :0)
God Bless
Suzy
Kim S in SC said…
Thank you for this post! We know that the enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion"...this is a reminder that our roar and our fight are stronger because we have our MIGHTY GOD on our side. Great insights..thank you!
In Him,
Kim
I Love point #5 (stone #5) especially-
'The diligent make use of everything they find' (Proverbs 12:27 NLT)
And you can't find much if you're not seeking and searching!
Thanks for the encouragement.

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