Faith & Action

Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand. (1 Samuel 17:46) 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to throw a rock at your problems and watch them all disappear? This is what David did: he chucked a tiny stone at Goliath, and the dreaded giant collapsed.

But there was more to this story than David’s bravery. As his words to Goliath show, David also relied on the Lord to give him victory. How else could one small stone make such a big difference?

God wants us to learn the combination of faith and action that David showed, that balance between God’s grace and our work that can lead us into victory. David’s words, quoted above, show how much he placed his confidence in the Lord. But even as he spoke these words of defiant faith, he picked up a stone, took aim, and fired a deadly shot. Try to imagine what would have happened if David had merely boasted in the Lord but not done anything. It could have been tragic!

How often do we rely too much on God and neglect the work that he calls us to do, whether in evangelization or in our own growth in holiness? On the other hand, how often do we rely on our own strength, doing the “work of the Lord” but neglecting the “Lord of the work”? Both approaches are risky. The first one can leave us feeling fruitless and frustrated. The second one can leave us full of ourselves or worn out and dispirited. But the middle way—the way of cooperation between divine grace and human work—brings not only fruitfulness but refreshment and joy as well.

It’s an interesting combination, isn’t it? We need to humble ourselves and recognize that we are weak without the Lord. But we also need to believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We need to learn the art of being still and knowing that he is God, and we need to learn how to step out of the boat and onto the surging waters of life.

What Goliath are you facing right now? How can you step out in faith, trusting in God’s power as you fling your stone?

“Jesus, I embrace the victory you have given me on the cross. I place my confidence in your power and in the talents you have given me.”

from wau.org