How to Be a Champion for the Lord

08/01/24 – 08/18/24

Champions Have Courage, Not Contempt

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/03/24

Whenever we experience any level of success in life, it is tempting to revel in our own glory, soaking in praise as if we were the sole reason for our success. Undoubtedly, David faced the same temptation. Yet because of where his faith rested, he never yielded to these urges.

As a young man, David was anointed to become the next king of Israel by the prophet Samuel. You would think that hearing such a prophecy and then receiving an anointing to affirm God’s call would be enough to drive David to go out and make it a reality.

David reacted differently. Instead of marching up to the palace gates and telling Saul that his days as king were over, David decided to act as a true champion: He let God fulfill the calling on his life by placing him in the right place at the right time.
David was a courageous young man, facing many fears with great resolve. Yet he never took his courage too far, and he never challenged God’s timing. So often in life, whenever we get a whiff of success, we proceed ahead of the Lord. But God often uses a delay in timing to prepare our hearts and minds for what He desires to do through us.

David never usurped God’s timing, despite his bold and courageous demeanor. He fully trusted God, which was why David experienced the level of success that he did. He knew the Lord was the source of his every victory. So, instead of trying to venture into challenging places alone, David waited for God’s timing. To be truly courageous in God’s Kingdom, we must be servants willing to wait on Him.

Prayer: Lord, instill in me the patience necessary to wait upon You to fulfill the calling You have on my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).