“David asked the Lord, Should I go and attack them? Yes, go and save Keilah, David asked the Lord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him. But David’s men said, “We’re afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don’t want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!” So David asked the Lord again, and again the Lord replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 23:2-4

I remember when our son was just learning to walk, he was afraid because he felt unstable and unsure if he could do it. He’d stand and then look back at his dad while I as mom would stand in front encouraging him to take steps toward me. As he’d look back, dad would say, “It’s OK son, you can do it. Keep going!” and with excitement in his body he’d take a step, but due to his inability to have great balance, fear would plague his body.

I can imagine this is how David’s men felt when they were asked to do something where they felt they’d be alone, without power, and without even trying, they talked themselves out of it. They didn’t even attempt to take any steps but rather accepted defeat without trying.

We’ve all done it – accepted defeat before we ever attempted to take a step. We’ve all at some point allowed the voices of critics, spectators, and others to be louder than the voice asking us to do something courageous.

David asked the Lord again and just like my son would look back at his father, he’d remind David to keep moving forward, that he would be OK because as his Father, he’d never leave him nor forsake him. He’d make sure David came out a conquer. So, what is it in your life? Where is God calling you out into the great unknown, where your feet may fail but you will have to rely on his Word and his promise for you to receive victory?

Questions for reflection:

  1. What is that thing God has told you to do that you are afraid of?
  2. What is that giant that stands before you that God says he will help you conquer?
  3. What stops you and makes you so afraid that even when God has spoken clearly, you must ask him again and again?