By Lee Robison
Giants can be scary! The Coronavirus that we are hearing about constantly has certainly made its presence known. It is spreading quickly around the world and it has everyone’s attention, including yours and mine.
This current giant is a bit like the giant called “Goliath”, that the Bible tells us about in I Samuel. He had a scary reputation; he was intimidating, and he excelled at being deadly.
The Israelite army was camped on one side of a valley, while the Philistines were on the other side. For 40 days, the Israelites, heard taunts and challenges from Goliath...saying he would fight their best…and if he was victorious, the whole nation would be overtaken by the Philistines. How many times have you heard about the Coronavirus in the last month? Does it seem like it is threatening to take over our whole nation…and the world?
The Israelite army had become demoralized and paralyzed by fear. They felt stuck…but God was going to show them He is greater than any challenge.
Young David came out to the army camp, with food from his father. But David did more than act as the local grocery store delivery boy…he took some important steps that we can take in the face of our “Corona-giant”.
Here is what David did…
First, he sought accurate information…he wanted to know who Goliath was and what he had been doing to cause the Israelite army to be so afraid…we should keep ourselves informed about the Coronavirus and how it is spread.
Secondly, he remembered to be brave…he remembered previous times in his life when God had given him victory over powerful animals. He didn’t allow fear to dominate his thinking…and neither should we. Remember the times when God brought you through some previous challenges.
Next, David determined to be prepared. He found Saul’s armor to be useless, but he knew that he could be victorious by using basic things…a sling and some stones. Have you been heeding the advice to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, stay at least 6 feet from others? David used his head…and so should we.
Then, David trusted God for His protection and victory. He didn’t allow Goliath’s words or size to be overwhelming. He didn’t become a prisoner to fear…He knew to trust the God who had always been with him…the same God who is with us.
You know the rest of the story!
Yes, we are facing a real challenge. But, we can learn from David’s victory over daunting circumstances. While the world seems to be losing their heads, we should be keeping ours. So, keep seeking accurate information; remember to be brave; determine to be prepared and trust God for His protection and victory.
We will get through this with the help of our God who promises He will “never leave us or forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Be encouraged. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Those are promises we can count on!
By Lee Robison who served for 38 years as the Senior Minister at Sarasota Christian Church. He, along with his wife, Shari, are now members of New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis, Florida.
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