Worth the Risk

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I was a young boy, we had a family “Story Book Bible” in the living room and I would sometimes pull that big heavy book off the shelf and read about one of our heroes of old.  Not surprisingly, my favorite was the story of David and Goliath.  Even as an adult this story remains a favorite and David’s life story forever seems to teach me new things about faith and life.  How many of us have been inspired and encouraged by this young boy’s courage in taking on a giant who was a seasoned warrior against whom David stood seemingly no chance of defeating?  Cognizant of the odds in this miss-match, King Saul seemed hesitant to authorize David to attempt this battle and only does so perhaps after hearing David tell of his previous victories against a lion and a bear.  David’s confidence in his God was convincing even to these warriors of the Hebrew faith.  Besides, when the King daily solicited amongst his men a volunteer to fight with Goliath, all he heard was crickets, no one wanted to take on the task that seemed like a sure quick way to die.As you know, David, in the power of the Holy Spirit that had come upon him when the prophet Samuel anointed him with oil, amazingly defeats Goliath triumphing in the face of great odds.  He further inspired the previously cowering men of Israel to wildly take on the Philistine Army and secure a great victory against a foe that had oppressed them for many years.  Of all the inspiring Old Testament stories that demonstrate the amazing power of God, there is none like the story of this shepherd boy conquering this giant veteran of many battles who had intimidated and destroyed all who were unfortunate enough to face him.  Would we never again read an incredibly inspiring story of someone who successfully took on a lion, a bear, or a fearsome giant?  Actually we do.  The Bible books of 2 Samuel (chapter 21) and 1st Chronicles (chapters 11 and 20) talk about the mighty warfighters that David would assemble years later into a very successful army that liberated and protected Israel and Judah for many years.   Goliath came from a family of giants and as far as we can tell most of them gravitated to the battlefield like tall people to a basketball court.  We read of Benaiah, who would play a vital role in the next Israeli administration, who went down and killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day.  He also killed an Egyptian giant of a man in a similar fashion as David by approaching the giant with a club, wrestling the giant’s spear away from him and killing him with it.  Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, was struck down by Elhanan.  David’s nephew Jonathan is credited with slaying yet another giant and the list of great feats in battle is further recorded.I wonder how many young boys like me went out and made their own sling and practiced for hours trying to accurately hurl rocks at trees.  I never got very good at it but it was fun to imitate David, a true hero.  I wonder how many men on battlefields were inspired by David’s example over the centuries to be courageous in the face of great odds.  How many people facing a daunting opponent in business, in health, in poverty, or other adversary against seemingly overwhelming odds, were inspired by David’s bold faith.Although Global Encounters provides training for participants attempting short term mission trips, at the end of the day there is no substitute for Holy Spirit inspired leaders who pave the way for others by taking God’s love to the field, trying various techniques, and adapting quickly to ever changing and challenging circumstances.  Like David, we don’t have to appear adequate for this task, we just have to trust in the Lord and His ability to accomplish mighty things through His willing servants.  King Saul could not find anyone who would fight Goliath but after David’s awesome victory, many would have the courage to take on giants.  I so enjoy hearing returning mission team participants excitedly tell of how God used them and the amazing things that they were able to accomplish in some foreign land.  Like David, they set the example by being bold and courageous, not letting their fears or intimidating circumstances hold them back.  How many others will follow in their footsteps having seen and heard that it CAN be done?   God can use ordinary people and still is using His servants to slay giants and inspire others to go forth boldly in whatever God has called them to do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="23024" img_size="full" style="vc_box_circle_2"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text]Carl Jones served as a federal agent for 30 years, retiring from a senior managerial role. He and his wife Susan reside in beautiful Oconee County, South Carolina, and they graciously hosted the Global Encounters staff retreat last fall. He was introduced to GE by several people who were in the adult Sunday School class that he led. We are grateful for the wisdom and expertise he brings to our board of directors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]