David was outright appalled! He came to the battle to see some action and instead he saw a cowering army. There was no action except when one large man appeared from the opposing army and taunted the Israelite army by cursing God.
1 Samuel 17:10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
Upon hearing these words, David anticipated a rush of vindication from the Israeli army to defend the name of the Lord. How dare someone is allowed to talk about the Israelite army and his God in that way! And to David’s surprise, they did nothing! The men shrunk back and hid. No one wanted to say or do anything. They were completely paralyzed with fear and lacked the drive of purpose.
1 Samuel 17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
David could not stand back and allow this to happen. He had to say something!
1 Samuel 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
David’s brother was bothered by David’s presence, and instead of realigning his purpose and actions, he retorted a defense. David saw a cause and he was ready to act on that cause. His brother, and the other Israelites, only saw fear.
1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
Do you see a cause to get behind? Is there something you are ready to fight for?
In marketing and promotion techniques, companies are taught to define their brand and develop a story behind their product to attract customers. People are motivated to action and will purchase a product when they can get behind something they believe will make a difference. Intrinsically they want to be a part of a story that has the potential to have a grand ending.
In any great story, there is always a hero, but that hero is faced with insurmountable hurdles. The common guy comes to the rescue and becomes the hero’s hero. The greater good is accomplished because the common guy helped the hero. Every person/customer wants to be that common guy that becomes the hero’s hero.
Does that sound remotely familiar to the story of your life with your Lord Jesus? He is a hero that has a great cause. He does not “need” you to overcome any hurdles for Him (He is God), but He does need you to be His hands and His voice in this world. He needs you to physically reach out to someone. You can become the hero’s hero to those out there that have not heard about Jesus Christ.
Psalm 109:27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.
Preach the word; let your friend know about the Lord. Seek and pray for opportunities to share a story about your great God and how your friend can be a part of this great story too.
Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
God does not need to create a better story to motivate you to get behind His cause, nor do you have to add to or change His story to make it more motivating. Can you imagine your Lord standing before you asking, “Is there not a cause? Will you get up and go and be a part of my story?” His story is already great enough. It has to be your decision to see the cause and let it spur you into action instead of causing you to hide in fear.
| There is a great cause. Get going and be a part of the Lord’s story. Do something that is not a reaction to fear. |
Are you paralyzed by fear and stopped by the world? Don’t let the demeaning words of the world stop you. Don’t let the world convince you that you have no cause and no purpose. “Go back home and deal with your few sheep. You serve no purpose here,” they try to tell you. Don’t let them fool you, you have a cause; you have a part in a great story!
Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
You are called to fulfill a role in a great life with a fabulous ending! Just like in any story, you can be the character that makes the impossible happen. Not because you have some superpower or magical skills, but because you have an amazing God. All you have to do is just do something, because amazing things happen from your willingness and action.
Do you see the cause?
Related Bible Passages:
1 Samuel 17
Psalm 109:14-31
Proverbs 13
Romans 9-10
Have a face to face conversation with your Lord:
Lord, do I see a cause to speak for you?
Lord, am I paralyzed by fear and don’t know what to do?
Lord, what would you have me do to be a part of your story?
Lord, you have an amazing story, and I am excited to have a part. I can’t wait to see what you will do through me.
If you are interested in having a collection of these devotional conversations, consider purchasing the books. They are available from Amazon by clicking here.
Glory, Strength, & Beauty 