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PROGRAM D-7705
Have you noticed that usually God leads us to fight the giants in our lives in the most unusual ways? David, the shepherd boy, was able to defeat a giant by avoiding the “copy-cat syndrome.” He did it with a simple slingshot. King Saul thought he should use armor and a sword, but David was gifted with a slingshot. You know the end of the story. Goliath was killed.
Remember when Peter had fished the way fishermen are supposed to fish, and he had caught nothing. Finally when he did it the way Jesus said to, even though it broke all the rules of fishing, he caught so many fish that it almost sank his boat.
When Jehoshaphat was facing a great army, destined to be defeated, he marched straight into battle, sending the singing men in advance to praise God for the victory. And when they got to the battlefield, the enemy had killed each other in confusion. That’s not a normal military strategy, but God was leading Jehoshaphat and Jehoshaphat was willing to do it God’s way.
We have to learn to walk by faith and trust the Holy Spirit within us to give us guidance, and then not doubt it when others say “That’s not the way to do it,” or “Nobody has ever done it that way before.” There are times when we should ignore what others tell us. If you remember when Jesus was going to heal Jairus’ daughter, his friends came to him and said “Don’t bother, she’s dead already.” But Jesus ignored what they said and told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
So, if you’re facing a giant in your life right now, use your own slingshot, don’t try to wear someone else’s armor. Don’t get caught in the “copy-cat syndrome.” That’s a sure way to defeat.
Maybe the battle is over and you are victorious. Remember what David said before he fought Goliath: “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give all of you into our hands.” It was the Lord’s battle, he gave you the skill, the talent and the wisdom to know how to fight, and then he fought it for you. Give him all the glory.
Rejoice in how God has gifted you and the opportunities he has given you. Strive to do what you do with every ounce of excellence in your body. Be willing to learn, change and grow. But don’t live your life trying to be like someone else. That’s living in the “copy-cat syndrome,” and it is miserable. Not only will it cause you to fail, but you’ll miss the great victories God has just for you.
