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"...David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him." 1 Samuel 17:34,35, ESV

Lions & bears are both animals known to be dangerous to humans, and while they generally avoid contact with us, if they feel threatened they will attack.  Few people would think that fighting lions or bears almost bare handed would be a good way to spend the day.  Even with modern weaponry, most people stay well away. Lions & bears are unpredictable, strong and have ample ability to injure or kill.

Yet it was in fighting lions and bears that a young shepherd boy became prepared to fight the most feared soldier in the enemy army, and he was able to do it because he was sure of who he was, and that God would not fail Him.  David knew His God so well that he was sure God would not abandon him as he took on those lions and bears each time his flock was threatened.  Natural human flight instincts were overruled by a choice to stand, knowing God is greater than any of His creation!

We all have areas in our lives where we need to be overcomers, our own personal lions & bears to fight that left unchecked will continue to cause harm and perhaps even kill us.  Things we need to fight, where passively waiting for some change in circumstances isn't the answer.  And like David knew where he stood with God and so could stand and fight, we have even greater assurance through the gift of grace Jesus secured for all of us.  God's character is unchanging, and just as David knew He would not be let down fighting lions, bears and uncircumcised Philistines, He won't let us down.

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"David said, "I've been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I'd go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I'd grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it." 1 Samuel 17:34,35, MSG