GOD’S FIVE STONES
“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him FIVE SMOOTH STONES out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:40, 45)
Sometimes in our lives terrifying problems seem to arise out of nowhere. Israel’s army was really afraid when faced with giant Goliath who wanted to pick a fight. Not one soldier had been willing to accept his challenge, but, unexpectedly, a young shepherded decided to confront him. He was able to be courageous because he wasn’t focusing his attention on the size of the problem but on the size of his God.
We also face some giants in our lives that terrify us and cause us to shrink back in fear. That’s because we are more apt to see the size of the problem than the power of our God.
Young David only needed five from the river bed as ammunition against Goliath. There are five principles from God’s Word (five stones) that can help us to have victory over our enemy.
- The stone of RECOGNITION.
“…but the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits” Daniel 11:32.
Recognize that God is more powerful than any of our problems or fears. As we draw closer to the Lord through prayer and meditating on His words, we become more courageous to confront Satan the enemy of our soul.
- The stone of RELATIONSHIP.
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the influence of the wicked one” 1John 5:19.
The Lord proved His love for us when He accepted us in His Family, even while we were still sinners. the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross has made us co-heirs with Christ. He is our Shepherd and promises He will never leave us. His Holy Spirit lives within us because we are very special to God!
- The stone of REMEMBRANCE
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalms 103:2
“…but I will remember the years of the Right Hand of the most High” Psalms 77:10
Just as David remembered the bear and the lion that he had already killed with God’s help, we also need to remember all that the Lord has done for us in the past, rescuing us from difficult situations.
- The stone of REFUSAL
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Psalm 27:1-6.
David refused to be intimidated by the enemy. Satan tries to intimidate us in every way he can and cause us to be paralyzed with fear. The only way to win this battle is to refuse to listen to his threats. We need to go forward, in spite of our fear, and fight against him.
- The stone of REFUGE
Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield Psalms 115:11
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man Psalms 118:8
They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever Psalms 125:1.
David faced the giant because of his trust n the power of God. That’s why he was so sure that he would win. Nothing or no one can stand against us when the Lord is on our side. This is our confidence too! When times of crisis and afflictions come our way, it’s hard to trust the Lord. However, we will be at great disadvantage and vulnerable to attack if we aren’t trusting and depending on Him. We need to deepen our fellowship with God during the good times so that when the storms of life come we will know where to run.
The five stones that gave victory to David are also available to us today. We can face the giants and win if we know how to use them.