Midweek Encouragement - "The Forgotten Giant”

"The Forgotten Giant”

^{I Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted. And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels (about 7½ pounds) and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.”}

^{2 Samuel 21:15-17, NIV}

         ^{Everyone knows the story of David killing the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17), but did you know there was another giant in David’s life, one whom David wasn’t able to kill?}

         ^{Isbi-benob was his name, and, like Goliath, he was a Philistine. David bravely faced the enemy, but the giant was too much for the king! It took Abishai, David’s nephew, to rescue the king from certain death.}

         ^{Can I suggest a few lessons we can learn from this story of the forgotten giant?}

^{1. God doesn’t always choose to do the miraculous.}

^{God directed the stone from David’s sling when he faced Goliath, but when it came to Ishbi-benob, God used Abishai’s sword. Sometimes God does the unusual. More often, He uses what’s available to get the job done.}

^{2. Giants have a way of coming back!}

^{We never outgrow temptations and trials. Yes, as a young man, David killed Goliath, but as an older man he faced one of Goliath’s relatives! “Watch and pray” is sound spiritual advice for every Christ-follower, because you never know when there will be another giant lurking around the corner. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12, NIV).}

^{3. You can’t always win the battle alone.}

^{Years before, David was the only hero when Goliath was killed, but the next time he faced a giant, David needed help. His nephew Abishai had proved to be a headstrong and fiery young person, and David hadn’t always agreed with what he did. But Abishai (with all his faults) was the man God used to save the king’s life. When you arrive in heaven one day, you might be surprised to find out how many other Christ-followers were used by God here on earth to help you along the journey of life.}

         ^{Today, as you go about your final Thanksgiving preparations, let me challenge you to look for God’s hidden hand working through people you least expect to help you as you overcome the giants in your life. Thank God for those people and depend on the Lord, but don’t hesitate to accept help from others! And who knows? Maybe you can be an Abishai to someone today!?}

^{Knowing my limitations and thanking God for those who can help,}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.