Date: Friday, 13th June, 2025
Text: 1 Samuel 17: 1-50
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
One of the things that separates a problem critic from a problem solver is their attitudes. When a problem critic encounters a problem he complains and looks for someone to blame for the problem.
A problem solver thinks differently. His attitude is different. He doesn’t complain, but see problems as means of getting promoted. He always sees the good side of every problem. He doesn’t waste his time complaining about the problems but give thanks to God for the problem and ask God for the wisdom to turn the stumbling blocks to stepping stones unto greater heights. He see setbacks as set up for a victorious comeback.
When king Saul encountered the problem called Goliath, he neither remembered the anointing of God upon his life nor the testimonies of divine victories of the past. Instead, he allowed himself to be carried away by fear and dread. He couldn’t do anything to help the situation because he was moved by the enemies’ physical credentials.
David had a different attitude. He saw Goliath as a settled case. He compared the enemy to the animals he had conquered in the past- the lion and the bear. He told king Saul saying, “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:36-37
That was a problem solver in action. He was so sure he was going to solve the Goliath problem, that he said, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17: 46-47
Did David complain about the problem? No! Did he look for who to blame? No! Did he solve the problem? Yes! If you must be a problem solver, stop complaining, stop playing the blame game; shun fear, don’t run away from the problem. Face it with faith and the strength of the Most High and just like David overcame, you will overcome in Jesus name.
Prayer Nugget: I receive a heart full of faith; I banish fear from my heart in Jesus name.
Bible in One Year: Psalm 43-49