A FAITH THAT MEETS ADVERSITY HEAD-ON
1 Samuel 17:3–8, 32–37, 45–47
Who remembers driver’s education classes? It was one class that came with a reward. I recall the excitement everyone shared in class about one day obtaining their own driver’s licenses. A license meant freedom, camaraderie and exploration.
Many of the early class sessions were spent watching videos about safety and then learning how to identify various signs while driving. Finally, the day arrived when we began taking turns driving a real vehicle. When it comes to driver’s education, videos and books can only do so much. People must put themselves in the driver’s seat and put into practice what they have been taught.
The same is true of our faith. Faith is an active verb, not a passive theory. Oftentimes, the easiest place to be as a Christian is within the confines of a church building on Sunday morning.
Faith requires something of us — a response and an action. This response will always be in the face of an obstacle that seems impossible to overcome and in reality, without God’s help, it is.
Adversity provides the opportunity to display our faith. (3–8)
The Israelite army faced a crisis of confidence. Big, bad Goliath made them shake in their boots, and the relentless mocking and taunting were beginning to prey on their minds.
The battle between fear and faith is one we will all face at times in our walk with the Lord. The Scripture provides great details regarding Goliath’s size and abilities. We too often focus on the size of our obstacles and fail to see the expanse of the opportunity for God to do something amazing.
Past experiences can grow our faith. (32–37)
Consistent with one of the many themes in the Bible, God is always at work in the lives of those who trust in Him and choose to obey. David was such a man. Although David’s life had been brief at this point, it was impressive. It was not a biography of great prestige, military experience or power but rather a long list of how God had used him to face repeated obstacles and emerge victorious each time.
David reasoned that if he could defeat a lion or a bear, he could surely face a man, no matter how much of a giant he might be. You and I may never face a physical giant, but we will all face situations larger than us, and it will cause us to examine our faith. When that time comes, I encourage you to look back.
Reflect on all the times God has been with you, provided for you and created a way forward when you thought it was impossible. God has an unmatched reputation for getting His people through tough times. You are still standing today because of God’s faithfulness and love.
In the face of adversity, faith moves us forward. (45–47)
In driver’s education, you must eventually turn the key, put the car in gear and go. In times of difficulty, we must go forward.
We go forward not because we have all the answers, but because we trust our path to the One who does.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
