A very large and powerful giant, [cancer] shouted to [God’s people], “Do you need a whole [congregation] to settle this? Choose someone to fight for you... I defy the armies of the Lord! [God’s people] were terrified and deeply shaken. Basically what [cancer] was saying was, “I dare you to try and stop me! You’re powerless and you will be slave to the fear I cause!”
When David saw [cancer] strutting and challenging the army of God to ‘do something,’ David was filled with righteous indignation. He couldn’t believe that [God’s people] were running away in fear and allowing this [cancer] to continue abusing God’s people. Instead of joining the masses, David said, “Who is this [cancer] anyway? Why is [cancer] allowed to defy the armies of the Living God?”
Despite being told he was ridiculous, too young and powerless against such a [cancer]; David refused to watch [cancer] continue to taunt the people of God. He also refused to fight this battle with the same armor and tactics of those before him. Instead, he picked up five smooth stones and started across the field to destroy Goliath himself.
“You,” David shouted to the [cancer], “come to me with sword, spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied! Today the Lord will conquer you... and the whole world will know that there is a God! And everyone will know that the Lord does not need weapons to rescue His people. It is His battle, not ours.”
Each of us knows someone who has been affected by the giant of cancer. Many of us have stood by and watched as cancer taunted (and in many cases destroyed) the lives of our loved ones. We understand the helplessness and fear that can cause us to stand in silent disbelief.
Will we continue to remain terrified & shaken? Will we continue to believe we are powerless? Will we agree to be slaves to fear and disbelief? Will we allow cancer to continue strutting around challenging and abusing
God’s people? Or have we had enough?! Are we ready to pick up those five smooth stones and fight in the name of the Lord Almighty?!
After struggling with those questions, I had one final question: what are the five smooth stones we could use to defeat this giant? Following is what I believe the Lord placed on my heart in answer to that question:
STONE #1: Worship. 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 God shows us clearly that the battle was won when King Jehosephat sought God, called for a fast and asked for God’s help. King Jehosephat believed that God was all powerful and nothing was able to withstand against God. He also believed that when he faced disease and cried out to the Lord, God would hear their cry and help them. King Jehosephat understood that he had no power against the enemy but if they kept their eyes on God He would rescue them. Scripture continues by explaining that when the vast army came against Jehoshaphat, he did (3) things; He sought the Lord for guidance, proclaimed a fast, and asked everyone to seek the Lord. Then the Spirit of the Lord came and said, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not your’s, but God’s. You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Then the worshippers were sent out before the army. As they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever” God brought confusion in the enemy’s camp and they turned on each other and killed themselves.
STONE #2: Prayer. How can God give us revelation if we are not willing to humble ourselves and seek His direction? Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive. Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. James 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.... Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
STONE #3: Time spent in the Word. Where can we find hope and where is our shield? Psalms 119:114 tells us they are both in the Word. What will keep us from stumbling and falling? Psalms 119:11 again points us to the Word. Where do we get direction and revelation for this battle? Psalms 119:105 …in the Word.
STONE #4: Fasting. Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Are we willing to sacrifice our appetite for the sake of the Kingdom? Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to Me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and mourning. Do you want to see miracles, signs and wonders enough to push yourself away from the table? David picked up five smooth stones ~ but it only took one stone to kill the giant. Will this be the single stone that pierces the skull of the giant?
STONE #5: Practicing/Carrying His Presence. Are you brave enough to do what people think is impossible by determining to live continually in the presence of God? This is only possible by seeking His face and asking Him what His will is. In order to practice and carry His presence you must be prepared for extreme dedication and commitment. This is something that will only come through practice and determination. This will not only change your life but will also change the world around you. I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Not only will you get to know the Father better but you will be lifting the needs of others continually. The more we focus our minds on Christ and train our thoughts towards His thoughts, the easier it will become to remain and even carry His presence to the world around us.
My Question To You Is: Are you willing to pick up these five smooth stones?
What if YOU are the person chosen defeat cancer?
What if it is YOUR hands chosen to bring healing to others?
Are you willing to face the giant?
Are you ready to fight in the name of the Lord Almighty?
If you are, remember that:This is the Lord’s battle, not ours
His victory will cause many to know that there is a God
God doesn’t need weapons to rescue His people from the enemy
He’s only looking for one person to pick up five smooth stones and be brave enough to carry out His plan.
Are YOU that person?
Have your way LORD.
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