ANOINTED AND CREATED FOR VICTORY May 2017 Devotional (1 Sam 17:37) …David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!"
Okay, it looks like we have the beginnings of a completely new lifestyle! Having already been established in his life, David''s confidence in the Lord’s deliverance was already tested and proven. Boldness had an object--It’s the knowledge he was not standing alone. The forces of evil were “hanging around”; but if he stayed diligent and attentive to his role in the Lord’s battle then victory was assured!
(1 Sam 17:38) So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. (39) David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them." So David took them off.
Who was it that David looked up to for encouragement? Better yet, in whom did he trust for security and guidance in his pursuit of victory over life’s battles? David refused to go into battle with Saul’s armor because when he tried it on, it was a hindrance instead of a help. It didn’t fit. Going to battle the enemy with Saul’s armor and approval (or his own) just wouldn’t work when it was God’s battle.
(Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
With David, we saw there was no need to go seeking spiritual evil in the land. It was there waiting and ready to be confronted. As we choose by the anointing of the Holy Spirit not to conform to the world system, then (in reality) we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:2). We “withstand” the devices of evil when we submit to the living Word--Our Lord Jesus Christ who is the substance of our hope. We can always depend on Him to come through. After all Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus defeated him at Calvary.
God’s armor not only fits but is also tailor-made for every occasion of spiritual warfare. Christ Jesus, the Master Tailor, always weaves the perfect “garment” uniquely designed for each one of us. Each strand is purposefully (lovingly) woven into the perfect pattern that will equip us for duty in God’s army…as we pray.
Lord help me to recognize evil for what it is. Give me discernment as I put-on the Lord Jesus every day. Only then can I love people and hate the evil. AMEN.