Before the first sun beam strikes my bedroom window, I’m already imprisoned in the comparison trap. Every morning my best friend piles scrambled eggs and bacon on the table promptly at 7:30 a.m., but I’m a sleepyhead. Thankfully, my sons rather pour themselves a big bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and plop in front of cartoons. My heavy footsteps trudge into the living room scattered with toys.
Craving a light to pierce this darkness, I seek a friend to bolster me.
On the page I see a boy with five smooth stones and a sling approaching Goliath. The crowd cheers for the nine foot tall man armored in bronze. My own warrior heart beats loudly as David proclaims, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord’s.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV
Hear the gasp as a boy strikes down a champion! But David did not stand alone that day. The same LORD who delivered him from the lion and the bear delivered him from the Philistine’s hand. 1 Samuel 17:37 NIV
David’s combat proves one may be overpowered, but two defend themselves. Likewise we need the Lord’s power to fight our own inner conflicts.
David’s claim reminded Jonathan of his own words spoken before a skirmish. “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14: 6. When two believers join together as friends, Christ binds himself into a threefold cord. Three strands are not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4: 12 NIV
Just as the Lord knew David would need friendship for the trials ahead, so do you, my friend.
If you seek a friend today, open the book of God’s truth. Allow the Lord to restore you. As the daily assaults rage, confess out loud, “This is the Lord’s battle.” Perhaps, your words will encourage another to stand beside you.
Family Extensions Children 6-10 years
READ: 1 Samuel 17:34-18:4
VIEW: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=7zLAcUZkxHA
ACT:
Go on a scavenger hunt in your yard to find six small sticks about the same length and width. Once you have the sticks, read Ecclesiastes 4:12 out loud. Have your child use both hands to grasp the middle of one stick. While reading, “one may be overpowered”, have your child use his hands to snap the stick. This is a reminder how Goliath was overcome.
While reading, “two defend themselves,” encourage your child to call on the Lord for help to break the two sticks. Point out the Lord was with David when he fought Goliath. Remind your child the Lord gives us strength.
Next read, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Allow your child to attempt to break three sticks. This represents a friendship between believers with Christ being the third cord.
PRAY:
Lord, Thank you for reminding me that I am never alone. You are always near me. If I call out to you, you will hear me. You delight in helping me when I speak highly of your name. I praise you for strengthening my friendship with other believers.
Abide in Christ's Love 