"I'm facing a difficult obstacle that I must overcome."

READ 1 SAMUEL 17.
Most if not all of us know the story of David and Goliath. It has alot to teach us about obstacles and adversity in life.
If you aren't a Christian, hopefully you will see how loving and powerful God is. No matter what the circumstance you face, He can help you. The question is - will you let God through His Son Jesus Christ into your life? To my fellow Christian, I trust that you will find encouragement to continue with Christ.
For those not familiar with the story, it revolves around a battle between two nations - the Israelites and the Philistines. As the opposing sides positioned themselves for war, the strongest of the Philistines - Goliath challenges the Israelites to send a soldier for a 'one on one' fight (often the outcome of this would determine who won the war). The Israelites are afraid of the 9' giant, and send no one.
Meanwhile, a young Israelite shepherd boy - David is sent to the battle to carry provisions for his older brothers. On arriving and hearing Goliath insulting God, David decides to be the one to fight...read the rest for yourselves! David the underdog, gained victory over Goliath. How? As you read through the scripture, I hope the following points help you to trust God for victory in every situation you face.

1) DON'T BE DISCOURAGED.
After declaring that he would fight against Goliath, David immediately faced discouragement. It came first from his own brother (verse 28) - "Why did you come down here...I know the pride and the insolence of your heart." Secondly, the king of Israel tried to prevent him (verse 33) - "You are not able...for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." Goliath mocked David (verse 42) - "And when the Philistine...saw David, he disdained Him." As we aim to be successful in life, or overcome difficult circumstances, we will face discouragement. Sadly at times, it's from those closest to us. However it is up to us to know God for ourselves, and trust that He is able to see us through. David, even from his boyhood, had a close relationship with God, which gave him strength and confidence. As you and I grow closer to God, we'll choose to ignore discouraging words and instead focus on the Lord. Face the situation realizing that God is on your side.

2) REMEMBER YOUR EXPERIENCES - WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN THE PAST.
In spite of the negative voices around him, David remembered victories of the past (verses 34-37) - "I used to keep my father's sheep, and when a lion or bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it rose against me...I killed it. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." In the midst of a problem, it is good to remember problems in the past that God enabled you to overcome. When you do this you will realize that if God was willing and able to help you in the past, He is surely willing and able to do so now. You can also use the wisdom gained to tackle the present circumstance.

3) USE WHAT YOU HAVE.
As David prepared to fight, the king of Israel clothed him with his bronze armour (verse 38). However, David took it off, because it did not fit. So it is in life, that people will often - even with good intention - give you advice that 'doesn't fit' or has not been 'tested' (verse 39). Do not act on such advice. See verse 40 - "Then he took his staff in his hand,...five smooth stones...and put them in a shepherd's bag, in a pouch, and his sling was in his hand." Instead of using what someone else gave him, David used what he already had. He was a shepherd boy, therefore he used the shepherd's staff, bag and pouch. He also used stones, and his sling - weapons from past fights. My friend, what is your 'staff'? What is your 'bag' or 'stone'? You have been uniquely created by God with gifts, talent, physical attributes, personality, strengths etc. Please don't say 'If only I was like John or Jane...' No! Never look to other people's 'armour'. It will not fit. Do what David did - use what YOU have. God can use, bless, and empower what you have to give you victory.

4) KNOW THAT GOD IF GOD IS WITH YOU, YOU CANNOT LOSE.
As David drew near to Goliath, he knew with every fibre of his being that God was right there with him. Note what he says in verse 45 - "...you come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts...whom you have defiled" and verse verse 47 - "...for the battle is the Lord's." David acknowledged that God was the One who would give him victory. Be encouraged that He will fight the battle for you, if you let Him.
So David is ready. He runs towards Goliath head on! All he needs is one stone...directed by Almighty God. Goliath died the moment it struck his head. Praise God!
We can be overcomers too. What is your 'Goliath'? Is it family problems? Depression? Financial difficulty? Whatever it is, God hasn't changed. If he can use a small stone to kill a 9'giant, He can give you the breakthrough you need. You can know Him by accepting His Son Jesus Christ into your life. You can then trust like David did.
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