November 1 | 1 Samuel 17:4-11, 45-51

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DAILY DEVOTION

1 Samuel 17:4-11, 45-51

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REFLECTION

A Impossible Battle

By Ken Dillman

The story of David and Goliath is beyond inspiring, it can animate our faith.

David was a teenager tending his father’s flock while his three oldest brothers were off fighting the Philistines; his father sent him to the battlefront with provisions for his siblings.

The armies of Israel were on one side of the Valley of Elah; Goliath and the Philistines were on the other side. Goliath was frightfully imposing to the Israelite army; they were petrified in fear of the giant. Our giants can do that to us sometimes, they leave us with the inability to move forward because we live in fear.

Many years ago, I sensed the call of God on my life; I applied and was accepted at a college in Tennessee. I found housing for my young family and found a job, all in one inspiring weekend. Then I noticed the giant that stood before me, I was fearful, much like the Israelite army. I had doubts that I could accomplish what I was about to embark upon. Unfortunately, I got cold feet and chose to remain in my hometown, where it was safe.

David couldn’t understand why the Israelite army was living in fear; he knew that power was in the name of the Lord, and he plunged headlong into the fray. To his siblings and King Saul, David must’ve seemed like the most unlikely of warriors to face Goliath.

David gathered five stones from a brook, and with his sling ran toward Goliath; that would be akin to us charging into battle with a salami and a baguette.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) David seemed to know this instinctively, that the battle wouldn’t be won with just a stone and a sling, but in the power of the name of the Lord.

Goliath lost his head over the whole thing!

It would take another twenty-five years before I finally answered the call of God upon my life to enter full-time vocational ministry; my fear was conquered by the power of God, which was greater than the impossible battle I had faced years earlier.

Like David, we can face our fears with the fact that battle is God’s fight, and it’s his glory and name that is at stake.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Help us as we face the giants of our lives. Help us to look to you and have confidence in the name of the Lord when we don’t have confidence in ourselves. When we are weak, Lord, please be our strength. When we’re fearful, calm our fears with your love. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KEN DILLMAN

My wife, Karen, and I have been attending UALC for 6-7 years and enjoy God's presence in our gatherings. We live in Hilliard; our three adult children live in Central Ohio. I am a retired Chaplain and Pastor, and enjoy writing, walking, jogging, and listening to live music. I appreciate the opportunity to write for the church’s devotionals.

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October 31 | 1Samuel 12:6-18

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DAILY READING

Exodus 12:6-18

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REFLECTION

Don't Search for New Answers: Give Your Struggles To God

by Judy Webb

“Then Samuel said to the people, ‘It is the Lord who appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your ancestors up out of Egypt. Now then, stand here, because I am going to confront you with evidence before the Lord as to all the righteous acts performed by the Lord for you and your ancestors.' " (Exodus 12:6-7)

In this text we are witness to a struggle between good and evil. The people are hearing a history lesson once again. Samuel is teaching God’s people the difference between doing things God's way and acting like spoiled children who want to do it their way. Samuel reminded the people about God’s rescue out of Egypt by Moses. “But they forgot their God; (v.9) and it was downhill for them again.

The people revolted and demanded a king to rule over them. They rejected God, who was their Lord who ruled over and protected them, and they demanded a king. Well, knowing our human nature, you can only guess how well this played out. But, we don’t have to guess, we only need to turn to scripture and read: “If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! (v.14) If not, “His hand will be against you again!” (v.15)

Is any of this sounding familiar? Have you cried out to God while beset with troubles never encountered? And more important, did God come through for you? Did your situation improve, or did you survive and grow despite it? Did this answered prayer change you? Did it strengthen your faith and enhance your ability to stand up under the pressures of life? “They called on the Lord and he answered them.” (Psalm 99:6)

The answers to life’s big questions are in His Word. As I was struggling to understand and deal with my husband’s eminent death, a friend sent me this word: “You will not have to fight this battle…stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17) This has become my life verse. I always remember, the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, Too often we need to be reminded of Your Word and how we only need to open our Bibles to discover your will for our life. We can learn how to deal with fears and troubles and never doubt your faithfulness. As we read from Daily Worship each day, reveal yourself to each of us in new and wonderful ways. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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October 30 | 1 Samuel 10:24-27

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 10:24-27

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REFLECTION

Leadership

By Todd Marti

Today’s reading deals with a dynamic we will all be dealing with soon: a change in national leadership. Samuel and the people of Israel were about to change the way they were lead and who they were led by.  The change was not without controversy; other scripture shows Samuel himself had grave doubts about the new approach, and parts of this reading show that the new regime did not enjoy universal support. 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 10: 17-19, 27.  

We are about to go through something similar. In the coming days we will elect a new president. There will be significant changes, regardless of who is elected. The result will not please everyone; many will be happy with the outcome, but many will not.

So, what does Samuel’s response to his circumstances tell us about how to navigate ours? Two things come to mind.

First, we should use our spiritual influence to support whoever is elected. Samuel did so, despite his reservations. 1 Samuel 10:24-24  We should too, albeit in a different way. As discussed more fully elsewhere, scripture repeatedly tells us to pray for those in authority, even—and indeed especially—when those leaders are not ones we would choose. See Praying for Leaders: Why, When, and How and Praying for Leaders: Why, How & About What.  That is not only good for our country, but it also gives us individual peace because when we pray we are spending time with the One who is the source of all peace.

Second, we should not let political differences interfere with other parts of our lives. Samuel effectively told folks to change their focus from the political transition to the things they were called to in their individual lives. 1 Samuel 10:25-26.  We too should make that shift, and resist the temptation to allow political differences to disrupt our family, church family, and other relationships. More than that, we should affirmatively pray for those with different views, something we can start on now, before the election. Nothing good can come of rehashing political disagreements, but much good can come from blessing those we disagree with.

PRAYER

Lord God, give us grace when we allow disagreements to divide us. We thank you that you are ultimately in charge. Be with us now and forever. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODD MARTI

I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.

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