Friday, January 16, 2015

Facing the Giant



Last Sunday at fellowship my friend Shi shared about David and Goliath.  I have heard this story hundreds of times but the message came alive in a new way that day.  Shi examined the classic story through the lens of identity.  Israel was held captive to fear and terror of the Philistines, forgetting that the Creator of the Universe was on their side. David, a small teenager with no experience, was the only one in the land who was not focused on the power of the Philistines but on the power of God.  He was calling Saul and Israel to remember their identity as His Chosen People and the power that came with it.

David was able to defeat Goliath not because of His physical prowess or vast experience, but because he knew that the All-Powerful had called Him and equipped Him for this battle.  David’s eyes were not focused on the improbability of a teenager beating a 7 foot, highly trained warrior. David was focused on His identity as an enabled and called child of the King.  Because he knew who he was and whose he was, He gained victory over the enemy.  David’s actions remind Israel to focus on their identity and not the enemy in front of them.

I was really challenged by Shi’s message.  Like Israel in 1 Samuel 17, I am easily overwhelmed by the problem in front of me.  I focus on the details and the things that I need to “do” to solve the problem.  It is not my natural inclination to focus on my created identity in Him.  I do not immediately focus on the fact I am empowered, equipped and called for a purpose.  Instead I set my sights low and let the fear of the problem consume me.

I want to live every day knowing who I am and whose I am.  I do not want to be consumed by the giant problem in front of me.  I want to be overwhelming secure in my identity.  My prayer for 2015 is that when I am facing a decision or problem I respond out of my identity, not fear. 

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Skiing Adentures

I celebrated the arrival of 2105 by heading a few hours outside of Beijing to go skiing with friends.  I was thankful to be able to spend the time with friends, a sunny day and the ability to spend time outside and enjoy the winter weather.  My friend Kerry even brought a picnic dinner! Thankful for the ability to have adventures and enjoy the snow (even if it was made just for the slopes).