Can you think back to one thing that has happened to you that has changed your life? Perhaps it was only a temporary change, but it probably felt like it was lasting forever at the time. It could be a very simple decision that was the turning point. It could be a natural disaster, a choice someone close to you has made that effected you – the death of a loved one, or perhaps it is an illness that turned your world upside down.
Yesterday my Bible reading took me to the familiar story in I Samuel 17 – David and Goliath. But as I read it yesterday morning, the Lord opened my eyes to something I’ve never thought of before. David’s one decision to obey his father and take the simple meal to his brothers, changed his life forever! He never went back to the hillside to be a shepherd boy again. From the moment that he got to the battlefield and heard Goliath defying his God, everything changed for him.
After killing Goliath, he was famous among the people! They were singing his praises, making Saul grow in hatred towards David. He had to run from him the rest of time Saul was alive. David’s own brother’s attitudes towards David were changed too. They questioned his motives, and they were no longer Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah – they were probably referred to now as “David’s brothers” – just what older brothers would want to hear!
I wondered as I sat with my Bible opened in my lap, “Did David ever wish he could go back to the way things were before he took on the giant?” How about you? Do you ever wish that life would go back to “the way it used to be?” Truthfully, I must admit that this giant of caring for a cancer patient has indeed turned my world upside down. I (selfishly) miss the simpler days. I miss the freedom of my schedule and time. I miss time with my husband, and not feeling rushed to get back home to relieve our caregiver. But then, I stop and consider what the Lord did for David, and how He does the very same thing for me today as I deal with my Goliath.
- He provided the five stones David needed to accomplish the task. He gave him the necessary tools, if you will. The “stones” the Lord gave me yesterday were:
- His Word that encouraged me when I needed it
- Two daughters that texted me to encourage my heart
- A friend who signed up to come and relieve us so we could have a date
- Time and health to exercise
- Sunshine!
- He also gave David the right attitude in the midst. The Lord gave him courage to face the giant. He can (and wants) to change my attitude when I get discouraged and selfish. He will if I see Him as my God – the Lord of hosts.
- He also helped David to throw off the comments from his brothers. He knew he was doing the right thing. Others may criticize they way we’re handling the situation the Lord has given. They may question our methods or our motives, but we must simply remind ourselves to be obedient to what the Lord reveals to us, as David did.
Stop in front of the giant you’re facing today.
- Recognize 5 things the Lord has provided today to be your “stones” to help you face the giant before you.
- Write them down and rehearse them in your mind and heart all day today. I wrote them on my adorable little chalkboard. Put it somewhere you can see it!
- Ask God to give you the right attitude and response toward the hardship – and others’ criticism.
Life may never be like it was, but the change can be a blessing, if we stop to pick up the stones.
What 5 stones has the Lord given you today? I’d love to hear!
With love,
RefreshHer 
Denise,
I know that the Lord gave you this today to minister to my own heart. John and I know what your going through as we live it each day as well and sometimes we need to be reminded that this is Gods will in our lives and that he will give us the strength to see it through; and one day we'll have our lives back but in return we won't have his mom with us; so now is the time for us to set our selfish desires aside and follow his lead. It's funny but today during my devotions I prayed exactly about this, we don't begrudge caring for his mom and yes, some don't agree with all we do, but we know that there is only one person we need to please and that is our Lord. I'm so glad you have such a wonderful church family and I know the girls are there as much or in any way that they can be, so I know you and Pastor are in good hands; just wish we could be there to lift some of the load. Thank you for this post today, you guys are in our prayers.
LikeLike
I'm thankful that this could encourage you, Becky. I sometimes hesitate to lay it all out there, but it's really where I am, and I am not complaining. I'm thankful for all the Lord is teaching me. I trust it will enocurage others to not only be honest about their situation, but also to see that God is there each step of the way providing in unbelievable gestures of His love.
LikeLike
Denise,
It was your husband who taught us all up here to be transparent and although sometimes it's not appreciated by others, it's still a good think to be. Anyone who knows you knows you weren't complaining and neither are John and I, there's just times you need to share how you feel with someone else. We are thankful that the Lord has allowed us to have Joan with us as long as he has 91 years on the 29th. Oh by the way today's blog reminded me of the fun times I shared with the girls here in Indiana. Teaching them to dance to the Cathedrals, (yep! I know that's not a good thing. lol) To playing school and house with them, both girls trying to teach me to play the piano, lol especially who was deligent and even let Alli sit on my lap while we practised. I loved sharing those times with my babies, Thank you.
LikeLike
😀 I dance, too, Becky. Dance with joy in my heart especially when I.m the only one in the house.
Now I don't remember the original question Denise asked.
<3 d
LikeLike