Defeating the Goliath in your Marriage or life: Part 2
If you missed part one be sure to check below for the link. I will begin with the questions I posed at the end of Part One.
How does this pertain to our marriages or life situations??
Every one of us, like the children of Isreal, is been attacked by the enemy. 1 Peter 1:58 gives us a strong warning:
Be sober, be vigilant, because of your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Marriage is God’s idea, therefore, the enemy seeks to destroy the first institution that was created. According to Gen 2:18, God identified that it was not good for man to be alone. This is why He created man & woman and blessed them in Genesis 1: 27–28. From then till now the enemy has been focused on attacking our marriages from generation to generation. You don’t get to marry and escape the constant issues and obstacles. Now not all our issues are from the enemy, which is another conversation for another day.
The constant fight, competition; me and him, instead of us and just all the external and internal factors that we find ourselves constantly walking in circles around that end up in heated fellowships but drastic situation end up in divorce is from the mastermind of the enemy.
He comes in study our past, our partners, and then use these areas of issues, weakness, and the process of becoming one (two worlds; two people, reality, culture, and upbringings) to drive a wedge between you and your spouse.
At times the issues at hand shouldn’t be a big deal but then it is, because of all the ways it is been amplified.
The scripture 2 Corinthians 10:5, warns us to “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. David applied this principle as we will see here looking into His approach to defeating goliath.
How can we apply David’s approach to our situation?
Previously, we discussed David’s story and now we will go into the process of how he defeated Goliath.
I want us to follow his approach and use this as a method to deal with certain issues we face in our marriage and life as a whole. Below is a step by step approach to attack the enemy in your marriage and any situation.
1. Investigate the matter:
It is easy for us to solve a problem when we get to the root of the matter. We need to go in-depth by doing some research in various ways to be able to resolve an issue. 1 Samuel 17:26 David asked around investigated to get the knowledge he needed to defeat his opponent.
26 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
Whatever you are facing in your marriage begin by asking all the necessary questions to get to the root of the situation. Investigate by noting down how often the problem happens, what prompts it, who is the main source ( not playing blaming games but every situation is a trigger for one person more than the other person), How does your or His upbringing play a role in this particular issue, etc..
To be informed is very important because this was the strategy that gave David an upper hand on his opponent, Goliath didn’t do his homework. Mind you usually in the case of the enemy he does his homework. Remember he cannot attack you till he finds a loophole or legal ground to invite him in to attack.
Mostly, he manipulates us through our issues, and when we give him an open door into the situation he steps in and torments us further.
2. Reject Fear:
Fear manifests in various ways. It can manifest in the good intension of others to protect and give us the advice to prevent us from stepping out in confidence. This is what was said by David’s brother to rebuke him and inject fear in him. 1 Samuel 17: 28–31
28. When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
How often do we hear those voices that shut us down; ourselves, family, friends, etc.. to hurt your confidence and distract you from going the direction you are supposed to go. I’ve had to at times just tune some of them out to do what God had directed me to do. Here in this passage, David had to speak up and just ignore his brother. We have to stay focus to solve the problem and to get the healing that is needed, therefore get rid of all the distractions by all means necessary.
3. Resist the Reasoning :
As David continue to ask others about the philistine, a message was given to Saul and David’s presence was requested. When Saul heard what David had to say of course he’s had to step in as a King and give David a reason why this was a bad idea Read 1Samuel 17: 33–37
17:32
32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”
Saul of course been an older man, but most importantly a king who has seen so many wars and soldiers during this time had to step in and give this young man advice. Saul made emphasis that David was a “young man and that Goliath been a warrior since his youth”. What does this spite: Fear of course.
Stick to your convictions as a Christian with your sword (the word of God) and with your faith, knowing your God. This will give you the courage to go out there and deal with that situation knowing that you are qualified; physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Nothing absolutely nothing can hold you down. You are fierce and never alone. God is on your side.
4. Testify:
David then began to give his reasons why He could defeat the philistine. Now if you read 1Samuel 17:34 you will see how David handled this situation politely but stood firm on what he believed and his convictions which are the reason why he is well qualified to take down this Philistine. He went back and testified showing the goodness of God, in a situation that he overcame. This is very key because the scripture states:
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their life, even to death. Revelation 12:11
This scripture sums it all up: They are referring to us, overcame him(the enemy) by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their life, even to death(This part: I understand it as sacrificing everything even to death for the sake of Christ).
David testified and was willing to take the risk of going against this experienced warrior regardless of his experience because of the victory he had in the past while tending the sheep. He used his testimony which was his weapon to tackle the advice that Saul gave him.
When the enemy attacks we need to have a record of our testimony to proclaim the goodness of God and his faithfulness. If not the word of God is perfect to attack the enemy like Jesus did in Matthew 4:1–11.
I will end this part here and the next part will be written soon. Remain bless and I believe as you read this chapter the Lord will enlighten you more and give you more strategies for marriage and any situations you may face.
Below is the link to Part 1 of this writing.
https://medium.com/@logan.rhoda62/defeating-the-goliath-in-your-marriage-7f9b50b066fb
