Cheese and Crackers

It was another day full of clearing brush, watering the fold, and scooping the sheep poop.  Yes, David was a keeper of the sheep.  And yet little did he know that his miniscule duties would lead him to a momentous destiny.  Cheese and crackers, that's it.  He was instructed by his father to take some cheese and crackers to the men in battle and to check up on his brothers.  It was time for the youngest brother to stand in the gap for his father, delivering food and checking on the others.  So with staff in hand and grazing cotton balls left behind, David took off.

As David approached he saw the landscape of the battle that had been unfolding:  2 teams, 2 mountains, 1 valley, and 1 giant.  Perhaps the greatest moment of David's life was about to explode, all with cheese and crackers in hand.  There are 4 words in verse 23 that forever changed history that day:  "And David heard him." Remember, he was sent to check on his brothers and deliver the goods.  But God had something greater in progress.

The people of Israel had faced this giant for 40 days.  Can you imagine?  Wake up each morning, put on the armor, have a little bread and then go and take your stand...facing the same enemy day after day?  Not moving forward, no gaining ground, but just standing there.  You're fully suited, and yet not fully equipped.  Gripped by fear and insecurities, all you know to do is stand there.  And on top of all of this, day after day, the giant named Goliath would come out with the ranks of the Philistines and torment the Israelites, laughing in their faces as he mocked not only them, but their God.

You see, it's not the mere presence of a giant that causes one to fight.  The land is filled with giants, and is also filled with the people of God suited up and ranked out just standing there.  But something is shifted when a child of the King hears the giant mocking his God.  David heard him.  And David ran to the battle line to stare this giant in the face, for he knew that victory was his through God.  Go ahead, read the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17...I dare you!

So I leave you with this.  What is your giant(s) speaking against you and your God?  Unplug your ears.  Do you hear him?  They are defying the very God that has rescued you and redeemed you.  Does that not move you?  Does something within your chest rage at the enemy that laughs in your face?  If we are not moved to fight when we hear the giant mocking our God, maybe we need to check our alliances.  Can you hear him?

I believe that David not only heard the giant, but he also heard the voice of his champion, God, that day.  His champion was cheering him on, "Come on David!  That's my boy!  I'm with you!  You have victory through me!"  Oh Goliath was offended at the sight of a young shepard boy, but God will you use anyone who is willing.  Anyone who has ears to hear.  Anyone who has complete faith and unshakeable confidence in his God.  It is the voice of our Beloved that beckons us, calls us deeper, speaks with more authority and power than a stupid giant.  Can you hear Him?

Yes the land is filled with giants.  Yes the enemies laugh in our faces and mock our God, the only true God.  Yes the Father is looking for ones to stand in the gap.  Yes, our champion is cheering us on.  Yes, mere cheese and crackers can lead one to their destiny.  Be faithful in the small things.  And yes, unplug your ears and hear.  For our God is greater, our God is stronger, God You are higher than any other.  And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?  And if our God is with us, then what can stand against us?