In Touch with The Goliaths and Nathans in Life
By Betty Miller Buttram
FWIS Contributing Writer
A few weeks ago, a Minister of Faith brought his teaching/preaching style to the pulpit on a sermon series about how we can do better with our lives despite the emotional and physical challenges put in our way. The scripture was from the Old Testament, Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel about Saul, David, Goliath, and Nathan. Some of the turbulence in those biblical times can be seen in our lifetime today. The past does not disappear; it revisits us reminding us of who we are and who we should believe. It reminds us of our faith and the turbulence in our lives caused by confusion, hatred, greed, jealousy, pride, lies, and whatever else that complicates our lives. Have a read of the Bible, and you will see that what is happening in our lives today is nothing new.
The story of David and Goliath is about overcoming physical strength by faith, love, and the power of God. David did not fear Goliath because he believed in God. The Bible says that Goliath was a giant of a man, measuring over nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head, a 200lb coat of protective armor, bronze leggings, and carried a thick bronze javelin several inches thick tipped with a 25-pound iron spearhead. Goliath’s pride made him laugh at David, and David’s slingshot and a stone hit Goliath in the forehead.
The Minister of Faith stated that there will always be Goliaths in our lives and facing a Goliath will teach us to keep our faith in God. Who are Goliaths in your life? They were mentioned earlier, confusion, hatred, greed, pride, lies, jealousy, and whatever else complicates your life. A Goliath forces you to know who God really is; a Goliath teaches you that God’s ways work; God’s presence is permanent, God’s character is consistent, and God is faithful because God is always the same because He has said who He is. Take on your spiritual faith and like David get rid of the overwhelming obstacles such as fear driven ideas and intimidation that are not well-being tools for you, your family, friends, and your community.
David had the prophet Samuel guiding him because Samuel was responding to God’s will. When David became King, he was overcome by his lust for Bathsheba and became sinful. Prophet Nathan was sent by God in response to David’s sin. David went without food and lay several nights before the altar pleading for forgiveness. David was much loved by God, and his sins were forgiven.
As the Minister of Faith stated that Nathans are people in your life who correct you; who sees what you did, sees you offend someone; and can be brutally honest with you about you. A Nathan is very rarely a stranger. A Nathan wants to see you change and wants to bring you comfort.
There are Goliaths and Nathans in our lives today who can make us better people. The Goliaths can put us on the watch for what envy, jealousy, hatred, and all other matters of evil will do to us. We need to put on our armor of faith to fight the Goliaths and learn from the Nathans to demonstrate compassion, practice constraints and trust our convictions.