Growing Faith With Practice

David and Goliath, a history told to young and old alike.

Imagine a nomad crossing the Valley of Elah on that fateful day. Assuming the victor would have been easy. A towering giant enclosed in armor with booming taunts versus five stones in a slingshot. Obviously, the giant had the upper hand. However, (I like howevers) appearances can be deceiving.

From a nomads perspective the impossible scenario was about to unfold. A rotating slingshot whistling in the air, a blurred image of a singular stone taking aim, boom. A boom of victory. A boom of a fallen giant. The nomad might have been stunned to see such a sight, then a memory emerges.

The nomad remembers the holder of the slingshot. He remembers seeing a lion conquered. He remembers a ferocious bear retreating. Now all is lining up and a smile easily forms. Ah, yes. Victory had been achieved before, this wasn’t the first time. A repeating victory based upon faith.

A faith which does not falter nor is swayed by the enormity of the situation. A faith which allowed five stones to be collected with the knowledge that “Jehovah is with thee”. Large versus small, yet, size was deceptive. Who can measure the faith in our hearts? Isn’t it stronger than the foes approaching?

Sometimes the greatest acts of faith are what would appear to others as miniscule actions. A step forward. A calming breath. A silent prayer. Each motion strengthens our faith by action. It’s not easy. It’s a far cry from easy. However, it’s the small steps that we make today which will grant us the ability to stand strong. We are not alone. A Spirit greater than we can imagine seeks to fill us with hope.

Tomorrow is bright. It’s beauty might be veiled from you, but please know that “Jehovah is with thee” and a tiny step today will yield a strength you can’t image for your tomorrows.

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Feeling adventuresome and pondering what the nomad might had seen upon arrival to the Valley of Elah? Check out the below video and gain a sense of the surroundings in terms of geography and history.

Around timestamp 7:15 you can enter the Valley of Elah.

Resources based upon the video:

The above Episode 2 is from a five part video series entitled “Searching for a King“. You can also watch the videos on Vimeo.

A five day devotional relating to “Searching for a King” is available from the YouVersion Bible app. If you are like me and have no desire to download any apps and/or create any new accounts, have no fear, the links below will allow you to view the devotionals online without an app or registration.

• Day One – Is the Bible Real?
• Day Two – Defeating our giants.
• Day Three – Waiting patiently for God’s promise.
• Day Four – Even kings make mistakes.
• Day Five – Wisdom that never expires.