Monday, April 16, 2012

April 17, 2012

"Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”  I Samuel 17:41-44

Sunday I began my new sermon series entitled "HIMpossibility" and subtitled "What Can I Expect From God"?

This whole idea of shaping realistic expectations toward God is a tough one when we have a God Who can do anything, at any time and in any way He chooses but sometimes chooses not to.

So, the way I decided to approach this important subject is to study some of the great heroes of the Bible who saw God do mighty works in their behalf and see what they expected from God.

Let's begin with David versus Goliath and learn what we can.

From my reading, studying and meditation over this story I have identified three expectations David had of his God when he confronted the giant.

David expected that when God confronted him with a giant it was because He wanted to demonstrate His power over giants.

Second, David expected God to use the giant in front of him to raise up the giant in him.

Third, we learn that God uses the giant to raise up the giant is us so we can raise up giants around us.

If you are facing a giant this morning I hope this will bring you some hope and comfort when you realize how you can expect God to use that giant in your life.

No matter whether that giant is a health issue or a financial issue or a relationship issue or an employment issue - regardless of what form the giant has taken, God will use that giant to accomplish one or more of these holy purposes in your life. That should come as a giant relief for you

Over each of these next three days I will probe deeper into each of these great expectations you can have toward your God! But, for now, thank God that on the other side of your giant and the momentary stress or pain he is causing you will be some giant joy and spiritual growth!