Facing Your Goliath (Poem)

Facing Your Goliath

You followed the Lord out of Egypt,
Buried your old master in the Red Sea,
Wandered around in the wilderness,
Knowing your Redeemer has made you free.

Crossed over the flooded Jordan,
A new beginning, a brand new start;
From death into life everlasting,
God’s Spirit has given you a new heart.

Now you are facing a fearsome foe,
That causes swords and shields to rattle,
Though weakened by the prolonged fight,
You rush determined into battle.

Like David versus Goliath,
In the Valley of Strength that day,
You face an enemy like no other -
But the Lord has prepared the way.

As you gather each smooth stone by faith,
And grip your sling firmly in your hand,
You are ready to claim God’s promises,
And take each step as He has planned.

Fully equipped in God’s armour,
You fight for the Promised Land;
Steadfast with the eyes of faith,
Victorious, in Christ Jesus you stand.

August 21st, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to John Nevokshonoff, who is facing his own Goliath of cancer right now.)

Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1 Samuel 17:40-42, 45-48 And [David] took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance… Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.