June 6, 2012
“and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 New American Standard
Behind every battle is a choice to fight from within yourself or accept the helping-grace Jesus is so ready to give. He knows what your battle looks like and exactly where you struggle and strain. He’s been there and faced the same battle: to trust the “God-of-Angel-Armies” or use his own resources. Jesus faced the giants of power .. prestige .. and performance. They continue to threaten .. taunt .. and silence us today. They don’t often appear as Goliaths but can just wear you down day after day. Their aim is to turn faith into fear and change hope into helplessness. David’s faith was formed protecting helpless sheep. He fought spiritual battles against lions and bears. In each case He trusted God to be his deliverer. Was he ever fearful? … probably. He wasn’t without flaws. But his faith was grounded in God’s faithfulness. When you follow Christ you enter into a relationship where He has promised to be more than sufficient for your life. He’s walked through all of your weaknesses and He reigns ready to help with real help for your real battles. He loves you enough to fight the little ones no one else sees and the overshadowing ones where you feel on display. He already fought and finished the battle for your life. You can walk right up to him .. even run if you have to. It only takes a moment …
“Now that we know what we have — Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God — let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all — all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” Hebrews 4:14-14 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to grace-gripping followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)
