Defiantly, Unashamedly, Generously — Worship Defiantly - Thursday
TODAY’S VERSE
1 Samuel 17:47
And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us! (NLT)
Growing up as a homeschooled kid meant participating in a local homeschool co-op. Several families gathered at a nearby church, transforming its rooms into classrooms where parents taught lessons to all the students.
Because my mom served in leadership, my siblings and I had to arrive extra early. I don’t remember how it came about (most likely from boredom), my brother and I took it upon ourselves to set up tables and chairs in the classrooms to lighten the load for the teachers.
Looking back, I developed quite an ego over this. I found myself feeling quite proud of the hard work my brother and I were doing while no one else was doing. It also fed my pride when the teachers expressed their appreciation by thanking us in front of everyone else. Stated simply: I loved being praised for my hard work.
But as time went on and word spread about our efforts, other students began to jump in and help set up. While you might assume I felt proud or grateful for the extra hands, it was actually the opposite: It deeply bothered me that they were receiving the same praise. And as much as I hate to admit it, this mentality has followed me into my adult life as well — especially in regard to my faith.
Pride often blinds me to a simple reality: So much of this life is far bigger than I am. While my efforts in the battle to fight against evil and push back against darkness matter, my own effort doesn’t secure the ultimate victory. Here’s why: The war is not mine to win.
This is something David knew when he faced off against Goliath, as he boldly claimed that “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
Yes, David was fighting the fight, but the battle belonged to the Lord. The battle was the Lord’s to be won. And thankfully for us, we live on this side of the crucifixion where we see that Jesus not only won the battle, but He won the whole war!
APPLICATION
We still face a battle against evil in this day and age, but the war has already been won by our King, Jesus, and HIS is the praise and glory and honor forever! Take some time to praise, thank, and worship Jesus for the war He has won on our behalf!
PRAYER
Jesus, it is You who has overcome sin, Satan, and death. It is You who deserves the praise, the glory and the honor forever. I praise You and thank You for being the man in between, for rescuing me from sin, for winning the war against evil. Help me to humbly fight the good fight alongside You, and to remember that my efforts are nothing without You.