Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 NIV)
The first part of the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is fully preoccupied with Goliath—his size, his weapons and armor, his intimidating threats, all in great detail. We read about the weight of his spear, the thickness of his armor, and more. The mood is fear, and there’s no hint of hope. God isn’t even mentioned until the 26th verse.
That’s often how our problems appear. When adversity arises, our tendency is to focus on it—and how overwhelming it feels. We analyze every detail. We measure its size. We lose sight of God. And we despair.
Whatever it takes, avoid that tendency. God doesn’t allow adversity to come up and then abandon you in it. The grace to overcome is already given, even at the beginning moments when you feel terribly overwhelmed. Faith finds that grace by looking at God and asking him for solutions, fully expecting victory. Adopt David’s attitude toward Goliath in every predicament; or better yet, assume Jesus’ calm assurance for yourself. Faith takes your eyes off the problem and turns them to God, where all answers are found.
