Date: 21-Mar-2024
Name: Flo
Topic: PERSPECTIVE
Content:
*1 Sam. 17:1-58*
It is always fascinating how different people can see the same thing and yet have completely different reactions! It's also interesting how viewing objects from different angles can make a difference in what we see.
Perspective plays one of the most important roles in the quality of our life. In fact, perspective can actually determine the quality of our life ... “what you see is what you get!”
This goes on in the spiritual realm too. Many times the only difference between two believers is perspective, what they see or perceive.
*1 Sam 17:1-11*
Israel was locked in a stand-off with the Philistines! The Philistines controlled one mountain, Israel the other. Neither side made much progress!
Nothing was changing because Israel wasn’t seeing the problem or God in the right perspective ... too much focus on the enemy, not enough on God -hence a stand-off!.
*1 Sam 17:12-16*
No one dared fight Goliath, they all saw the same thing -- A giant so big they can’t win!
God knew someone however that had a different way of looking at “giant” problems ... a small shepherd boy that had a “giant” faith - David!
*While Israel saw a giant and said "He's too big, we can't win; David saw the same giant and said "he's so big, I can't miss!"
Perspective made the difference!
*Fear controlled Israel*!
They weren’t losing ground but they weren’t gaining any either.
This is often how fear works in our lives too; fear keeps us sharp so we don’t lose ground, but it also keeps us paralyzed so we don’t make progress!
Saul on the other hand tried to outfit David in his own over-sized armor, but his strength was not David’s!
David couldn’t rely on Saul’s strengths and experiences, as he said to Saul, “I am not used to them.”
Prayer Points:
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Ask God to grant you the ability to see situations in your life with clarity and understanding.
2. Pray that God will deliver you from the "Armour of Saul" mindset. That we will not seek unknown alternatives over Him
3. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you to view challenges from a perspective aligned with God's truth and purpose.
4. Pray for the strength to face "giant" problems with faith rather than succumbing to fear.
5. Father, give me the courage to trust in Your plan and overcome any paralyzing fears that may be in the way of my blessings.
6. Pray that God will open your eyes and heart, to trust in His strength rather than relying on your wisdom.
7. Ask God to empower you to take bold and faithful actions, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
8. Ask God to fill you with the strength you always need to run toward difficulties with confidence, knowing that victory is possible through Him alone!
