Goliaths@Work
Author: Helen Mitchell
"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)
If we were to sum up the work of King David's life, we could say he was the chosen King of Israel through whom the Messiah would come. Not a bad career! But if we take his life apart, we would see a lot of ups and downs.
In Samuel chapter 17 we find Goliath threatening the Israelites, who at the time were being led by King Saul. Verse 24 tells us that "When the Israelites saw the man; they all ran from him in great fear."
David saw Goliath's challenge for what it was - a circumstance. The natural reaction of the men of Israel was to be fearful. They perceived this event with Goliath as bad, but David saw things differently. Verse 26 of 1 Samuel chapter 17 tells us that David reacted in confidence, ".Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (NIV).
Are there Goliaths where you work? If there are people in the workplace who are mocking you and causing you to run in fear, think of David and realize these are just circumstances. What the Israelites saw as bad David perceived as an opportunity. In the same way, those snarky people at work (and every workplace has them) present a chance for you to let God shine.
Circumstances are just circumstantial and the only value and meaning they have is what we give them. Over time we will see how God uses those circumstances for his purposes, but if we let ourselves become tangled in them, they will definitely drain us spiritually.
Fighting Goliath was a circumstance in God's plan to lift David from shepherd boy to King of Israel. Like David, we need to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) and ".Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
King David made some grievous errors and decisions in life. Like all of us, he was not perfect. But when he strayed, he was quick to repent and turn back to the Lord, his source of strength. As a shepherd boy, King David learned to recharge and develop a deeper connection with God just by spending time with him and freely praising and worshipping him. As a result, he became a man after God's own heart-a man who sought fellowship with God and desired to do his will. And King David was filled with the fullness of life. God blessed him with power in his job as King of Israel.
What are the up and down events for you at work this week? Don't let your joy and satisfaction with life be determined by "good" or "bad" life events. Like David, learn to see all circumstances as opportunities to let God shine. Look for moments to connect with God throughout the day and you'll find, as David did, that those giants are easily felled by a well-placed pebble and faith in God's aim. Let God's power work through the circumstances of your day today as you:
Stop Thinking so Big
You don't need to be a King David to do great things for God or a Moses and experience God in a burning bush. Start connecting with God right where you are in life, just as David did.
"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:42 (NLT)
Today you may be faced with a difficult circumstance that is causing fear in your workplace, but God says that if even your smallest action is to care for the people for whom Jesus died, surely you will be rewarded.
Start Enjoying Small Connections
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him." Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NIV)
God connects with us many times throughout the day-but do we recognize it? Are we listening? Are we waiting for God to deliver us from all our problems, but fail to see his hand in his provision and answers that day? Everything God does lasts for eternity. Look for those small connections that God is making with you just to say, "I'm here. I love you. I can help you solve that problem or get out of that circumstance."
When you see those moments, stop and start thanking God. Praise him for his love and faithfulness, and for his promise that he will never leave you.
Look for Connection Triggers
"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10
As you move through your workday you will choose either to connect with your circumstances or to connect with God. You will have the choice to worry or to worship. You will have the choice to serve the desires of this world or the desires of God.
The next time Goliath is harassing you at work, take the humble position of David the shepherd boy and declare your circumstance nothing in light of the fullness and power of God. Stop to connect with God and take his extended hand as he leads you.
Until next week...
Discussion Questions:
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What circumstances are you facing that seem so big and threatening? Open up your hands and give them to God. Stop.and spend a few minutes thinking about the goodness of who God is.
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How can you make small connections with your co-workers a daily habit?
- God created many ways to trigger our connection with him. In the Old Testament he created a series of festivals and holidays so Israel could commemorate their spiritual history. What triggers you to connect with God and reminds you of how much you are loved?