“When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:48 (ESV)
The time is upon us when we must choose which way we are to run. Will we run and finish the race or will we run toward the exit signs? Will we engage and occupy till Christ comes or will we hide away waiting for Jesus to come rescue His weak church?
David was a man after God’s own heart, and he was a runner! When a bear and lion came to threaten his sheep, David would literally chase them down, that is, he would run after them, to rescue the sheep. This was a supernatural ability God gave David.
David ran with supplies, some 15 miles, to his brothers at the frontline of battle (1 Samuel 17). Then David ran from the supplies tent (v22) to the battle line to meet his brothers. Then ultimately David ran from Saul’s tent to the battlefield then directly toward Goliath (v48). After the stone was lodged in Goliath’s head, David ran to him, grabbed the giant’s sword and cut off his head (v51).
David had proclaimed to Goliath, “The battle belongs to the LORD and He will give you into my hands” (1 Samuel 17:47). And that is exactly what happened. God took one young man who was willing to run, one stone, then one sword and changed everything! The battle is the LORD’s but, like David, we must show up. We need to run to the battle before us, and let the LORD fight it. There are many battles before us, and we need to choose which ones we run to. We need God’s wisdom and direction.
Ask God if there are any battles you are avoiding or running from. Confess them out loud. Commit yourself to run toward them! Ask Him if there are any battles you are in that you are not supposed to be involved in. Ask God for wisdom, boldness and faith as you declare this battle belongs to Him and that you will show up for the ones He has called you to!