Victim or Vessel? (Part 2)
The very same battle from the last post…with a brand new perspective becomes our Thirsty Thursday encouragement.
David came as a vessel when it made sense to be a victim.
David was the youngest of 8 sons. He was a shepherd over his father’s sheep, known for striking and killing any lion or bear that ever came after his father’s sheep…by hand.
As David was sent by his father to check the condition of his brothers at war, he witnessed Goliath as he presented himself yet again. Same words. Different day.
“For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”…Then, David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him, your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:26, 32
Saul tried assuring him he was only a youth and this, a mature man well equipped for war.
Moreover David said, “The Lord delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine. And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” 1 Samuel 17:37
As I was reading this story to my children one night before bed, I knew God was speaking directly to me. “Meaghan, take a close look at all I have spared you. The times I have delivered your family from the mouth of the lion. Remember when your husband chose not to be the provider and I provided for you through the stranger in Wal-Mart? The unexpected check in the mail? Remember when you got so angry with your husband you spoke words he could have easily never forgiven and I redeemed that for you? Remember when Satan told you there was nothing left and through your fasting and prayer, I gave you signs of hope and healing? Have you forgotten? If I delivered you then, why wouldn’t I deliver you in this battle? I am the same God who spared you from defeat then and I AM the very same God who will spare you from defeat now. I have won this war, and I will only keep winning. Just hold my hand. I won’t let go.”
As Goliath drew near, David ran toward him, pulling out a stone. He slung it and struck the Philistine in the forehead and killed him….with a sling and a stone. 1 Samuel 17:48
What the victims had spent 40 days and nights fretting over, David got busy as a vessel interceding the power of God straight to victory.
So how do we apply this?
Where have you felt victim in your marriage? Is your husband more patient and kind to his co-workers and extended family than his own wife and children? Perhaps, you aim to love well and feel like it completely goes unnoticed so why try? Maybe selfishness has driven a wedge beyond what you think your heart can handle?
Through a bedtime bible story with my children, I learned I don’t want to be like the Israelites as victims to the giant. I want to be like David, a vessel for God even when it seems to make no sense.
We can sit for forty days and forty nights and allow our enemy to pin us victim to fear of defeat. OR we can get busy as a vessel in prayer and action and intercede the power of God straight to victory.
David knew he wasn’t mighty, yet the God he served was mightier than any giant in his life. Without knowing what the battle would look like or how victory would come, he fought with a trusting and fervent heart.
May we attempt to see our husbands through the eyes of a vessel rather than a victim? Perhaps you are the very light God has ordained in his life to shine into the dim areas of his heart. Is that easier said than done? Absolutely.
I assure you, anything God calls you to will test you in ways you never imagined but blow your mind with the sweetest glory your heart will ever know.
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