Morning Devotional 061925 Against All Odds

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

June 19, 2025

1 Samuel 17:45-50

45 But David told the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword, spear, and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of heavenly forces, the God of Israel’s army, the one you’ve insulted. 46 Today the LORD will hand you over to me. I will strike you down and cut off your head! Today I will feed your dead body and the dead bodies of the entire Philistine camp to the wild birds and the wild animals. Then the whole world will know that there is a God on Israel’s side. 47 And all those gathered here will know that the LORD doesn’t save by means of sword and spear. The LORD owns this war, and he will hand all of you over to us.” 48 The Philistine got up and moved closer to attack David, and David ran quickly to the front line to face him. 49 David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone. He slung it, and it hit the Philistine on his forehead. The stone penetrated his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 And that’s how David triumphed over the Philistine with just a sling and a stone, striking the Philistine down and killing him—and David didn’t even have a sword!

Good Morning! God empowers his children!

Against all odds, God’s children prevail. It is inconceivable that David should have defeated Goliath. Even if David had been full-grown and carried a sword, he would have been expected to lose. 

The thought of allowing a young boy to face Goliath is unimaginable. What were the leaders of the Israelites thinking? Were they sending the lamb to slaughter in the hope of allowing their soldiers to recoup and rest for one final assault? 

David’s words declaring what he will do after he defeats Goliath seem a bit cocky, but we must admit an undeniable faith led him. Consider the evil that inhabits the world today as a giant, i.e., the elephant in the room. We are called to respond with faith that our Lord will lead us in victory. It doesn’t require more sophisticated weapons, nor great numbers of followers. It takes one who boldly proclaims the power and love of the Lord. 

Jesus’ death and resurrection proclaimed God’s power. God’s love is the only force that can overcome evil. Imagine a movement of love where, one by one, the giants of evil are knocked down. By God’s grace, we must embody the love of Christ and get to work. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us let go of our earthly inhibitions and boldly proclaim we are your children. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God gives us strength when we think we have none.

God’s love will prevail! Pastor Liz