October 27, 2024 - 2 Samuel 21:15-22

October 27, 2024 - 2 Samuel 21:15-22

15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”

18 After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 20 And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 21 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, struck him down. 22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

How long do people continue to hold grudges? We see in these verses that David was aging and not as able to go to war as he had been. They were still fighting the Philistines which were the people that gave us Goliath, the giant that David slayed as a young man. David’s soldiers were still after these people. Of course they had been scared of these giants years before, but after David had shown what was possible, they started to understand that God went with them and protected them when they were doing His work.

Does God still protect us when we are doing His work? Some blame God anytime things don’t go their way. Many blame Him when they suffer illness or loss, or a storm destroys cities, homes and lives. Some will ask “where was God?” when a child was harmed, or a tragedy took place. God is always here, but He gives us free will. Not just us, but everyone. So that person who harms a child or drives recklessly or under the influence and hurts a family also has free will. But in the midst of the tragedies and pain that life brings, God is always there.

Many people will wrongly say “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle!”

That is a lie from the enemy. God gives us all more than WE can handle, but never more than HE can handle. His desire is for us to lean into Him daily. Not just the times life seems too much for us, but if that is what it takes to get our attention and for us to turn to Him, Amen. Whatever it takes for us to see truth and realize who God is and how badly we need Him. He isn't punishing us, but life does happen. He doesn't always step in and stop it, but He can use it for His glory!

As a child I was often heard saying, “I can do it myself!” I thought I was so capable. I wanted to prove I could handle things on my own. Are you like that with God? The best thing you can do for yourself, and your family is to realize that is a lie and learn to lean into Him. He has the answers, encouragement, strength, and truth that you need.

What is on your plate today that you can’t handle? It’s okay to admit it. Tell Him about it right now. Ask Him to help you. Ask Him to carry you through whatever it is you are going through.