Last week we looked at one aspect of the story of David and Goliath. I pointed out that David engaged in some "trash talking," which was describing out loud what he was going to do to Goliath, his opponent. If David was like some people I know (including me), he would have said, "Well, maybe, I mean, perhaps the Lord may want to use me, but don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I know for sure and if something good does happen, it will be the Lord and not me. I don't want you to ever think it's me."
Fortunately, David was of a different mindset. When Goliath verbally attacked, David was quick to respond. What bravado, courage and confidence David had! There was nothing tentative in what he said or planned to do. He was bold and specific. God isn't repelled by such bold talk; that talk drew Him to David's cause. He promptly went out with David to meet the giant. David made good on his promises, while Goliath died trying to figure out what went wrong.
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?
How can you apply this lesson to your life right now? First, David had a track record from which he could draw. He had killed lions and bears, and he saw killing this giant as a continuation of those exploits. You must allow God to put you in challenging situations so that, when you overcome, you will be able to refer back to those experiences to fight future battles.
Second, you must know who you are and what you want to do. David did not hold back; he was clear and concise. He said, "I am a champion of God and you, Goliath, are not. You are coming down, in spite of your size, words and confidence."
Finally, David said what he was going to do without fear of what others thought of him. He spoke positive, affirming, and powerful words and then set about fulfilling them.
WHAT AREN'T YOU SAYING?
What are you speaking these days? A better question is what aren't you speaking? Tentative, faithless words produce tentative, faithless actions. Positive, powerful words produce the same. Stop being hesitant and fearful of making bold statements where your purpose and dreams are concerned. Dream great things, talk about them and don't worry about how you sound to other people. Only be concerned with how you sound to God.
Dream great things, talk about doing them and then go for it! It's simple to describe but not simple to do, I know. I also know that you can only do great things once you stop stumbling and mumbling through your purpose and dreams. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. So what you say and what you don't say can bring either life or death, success or failure, victory or defeat. Every day this week, you need to follow David's example and not only what you say but also what you don't say -- and start saying it. Otherwise your tentative words will lead to tentative actions and next year you will get more of what you had this year, which may or may not be a satisfying thought. Have a great week!
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