THE VINE FASTING Sample

Devotion:
In the famous narrative of David fighting Goliath, David needed one single shot to Goliath’s forehead. So the question follows, why did David pick up five stones when he only needed one? Generally there are two camps of thought; one camp says that David lacked faith; and another says that it was because Goliath had 4 brothers. The first is refuted because David already had experience fighting “both lion and bear” (1 Sam. 17:36), and he openly declares faith prior to the battle declaring, “The LORD… will deliver me” (1 Sam. 17:37). Furthermore, while scriptures do mention the death of ‘the brother of Goliath’ (1 Chron. 20:5), there is no biblical evidence that David actually killed the others.

Perhaps another view of the five stones was that David was simply being adequately prepared for the fight ahead. Extensive planning, thorough preparation, and acquiring enough resources to complete a task are not the opposite of faith because the task still requires faith to complete. In fact, it was faith that led David to the battle, but David ensured that he had the tools to execute, and gave all honor to The Lord when he was victorious. It is commonly believed that preparation is the opposite of reliance on the Holy Spirit, yet we observe from this account that The Spirit works powerfully in our preparation as well.

Reflection:
Imagine yourself in the next coming year reflecting back on this year because it was the best year you have ever experienced. Allow your imagination a few moments to fully probe that possibility. Identify three major feelings or achievements that come to mind. Ask The Father/Holy Spirit: What do I need to overcome in order to achieve those possibilities? What needs to change in my life today? How can I best ensure those changes become a reality?


Prayer:
Jesus, thank you that your Spirit empowers and prepares me to pursue the life you have created me to live. Thank you that you are currently interceding for me to not be held captive by fear or just simply ‘I am not a captive to fear, worry, anxiety or doubt, and thank you that whatever happens this year, you get all the glory. Thank you for supplying me the grace and strength to pursue you and all that you have for me. –Amen