Pastor Perspective

“Conquer Your Challenges!”
by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen (mjhill@ida.net)

My wife beheld a peculiar sight on her walk today.  Three puny starlings relentlessly harassed a large and majestic hawk.  As my wife observed the conflict, the unfolding battle surprised her.  Sure, the hawk was outnumbered, but he’s a powerful bird of prey!  He has huge talons fit to swipe and slash at will!  But what was the outcome of this tense struggle?  The hawk fled away.  Moreover, the persistent little birds pursued after the hawk as it cowered away in fear.  Perhaps the hawk was not necessarily afraid but fed up and wanted check out some other territory.  But this “main event” reminds me of how Christians forget who they are, similar to how the hawk forgot who he was; the bird of prey….not the prey.

David was a youth and lacked any sort of military experience when he met Goliath. Goliath was a professional warrior from his youth.  From a human standpoint, Goliath’s words were sure to be fulfilled.  “David, you’re gonna be food for the birds and for the wild animals!”  Goliath’s booming and intimating voice made this giant appear even bigger.  He had a sword, javelin, spear, and lots of military experience.  David held a staff and five stones.  If you were in the crowd that day, who would you place your bet on, David or Goliath?  As a Christian, you contend with Goliaths such as Satan, your own sinful nature, and a world opposed to Christ (1John 2:15-17).  What is the outcome of your battles?

David did not limit himself to human weapons or methods, but relied upon God’s spiritual weapons of faith, righteousness, and truth.  "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1Samuel 17:45-46).  David did not forget who he was or the God who was with him.  David was a child of the all-powerful, righteous, and true God who can conquer any foe.  He did not fight in his own strength, but was “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10b).  Result?  David did not run away…he ran toward Goliath and conquered him.

Do you have challenges beyond your strength to handle?  Do you have problems you’d rather run away from than solve?  Don’t run away or cower in fear like the hawk.  Be like David.  When you are out-sized and out-numbered, put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). Confront the challenges of each day in the strength and power of the Lord.  Result?  When you submit to God and resist the devil, the devil is the one who will run away (James 4:7).  Why?  Jesus has all authority and power. He’s the King of Kings and Lord of lords.  Puny starling problems are no match against Him.