Knowing your cause
Almost everyone is familiar with the names David and Goliath. People often use the story of David and Goliath as an illustration or motivation to turn obstacles into advantages. They represent opposing sides that are vastly unequal—the smaller and weaker taking the victory.
David is a dutiful, diligent, young man with humble respect for responsibility. In a small circle of family, he has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king over Israel. The appointment is made by God, and David undergoes a period of training and testing to prepare for his role.
He knows his life’s purpose.
Shepherding his father’s flocks, he is sent to check on his older brothers in Israel’s army under King Saul’s leadership. Saul is a weak, wavering leader—a king without strength of character or dedication to God.
Goliath is the formidable Philistine enemy, with a tremendous advantage in physical size, strength, equipment, and backup reinforcements. He dominates the atmosphere with the bluster and bluff of a bully.
Israel’s army is suffering under the shadow of the enemy. Day and night they breathe fear and intimidation. Those supposed to be leading were more concerned with self-preservation than standing up to the enemy. The Bible tells us that when David arrived at the camp, he found the men fleeing because they were filled with dread.
“Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.” Samuel 17:24 (NIV)
After making some inquiries into the situation and being dismissed as uninformed and unimportant, David asks a question that resonates through the ages and is still relevant today: Is there not a cause?
Causes come and causes go.
Conviction is the bedrock of a cause. Calling fuels conviction. Commitment stays the course. Cause endures the battle. What is your cause? How will you accomplish it? If you’re not sure, here are some things to consider.
Do you know your convictions?
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
Are you called to this place of leadership and influence?
Our purpose is not to please people—to pacify or placate them—but to serve and elevate others from the fear and intimidation of the world.
Are you committed to the battle?
The odds may be stacked against you. Expect criticism, face rejection from the people around you, and anticipate the opposition's ridicule.
Do you have the courage to carry out the cause?
I pray that God will speak to your heart today as you reflect on these questions and His word.
