Challenges – Your Opportunities For Victory

1 Samuel 17 tells the story of the confrontation between David and Goliath. Before David arrived at the battlefront, the Israelites, for forty days, were continually harassed and taunted by Goliath. Indeed, Goliath, from the natural standpoint appeared invincible, not just because of his immense stature and intimidating armour, but his belligerence! He defied the armies of the God of Israel, and challenged them to a fight. When David heard that whoever defeated the giant would be rewarded–he and his household exempted from tax forever–amongst other benefits, he rose up to the challenge. Rather than be intimidated by Goliath’s immensity, he saw it as his opportunity for a good aim with his sling. With one smooth stone, he fell the great Goliath of Gath whom he decapitated with his own sword, winning the battle for the whole nation of Israel. While King Saul and the entire army of Israel were terrified at Goliath’s size, perceiving him to be an insurmountable obstacle, young David saw an opportunity for victory. When his brothers tried to shut him up and talk him out of it, he said to them, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29). He saw an opportunity to win for his countrymen and went for it. This is the kind of mentality we ought to have as Christians. Many today focus too much on the obstacles that circumstances or situations of life pose to them, and lose sight of the opportunities for victory in that situation. In our opening scripture, the Greek word translated “look” means “to consider, mark, or take cognizance of.” The scripture therefore means not to give attention, consideration or take into cognizance whatever challenges or obstacles you might face in your fight of faith. Rather, see every challenge as bread. See obstacles as stepping stones for your promotion, for nothing can successfully stand against you, because you’re more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. Therefore see all seeming impossible situations this month as opportunities for your testimony.