Have you ever taken a chance?  Chances are risky things. Sometimes they work out great, and sometimes they are huge disasters. David took a chance. When Goliath and the Philistines threatened the Israelites, David was a young boy. He was a dutiful son and faithfully watched the flocks. With the battle raging between the Philistines and Israelites, he was instructed by his father to take food to his brothers on the front lines.

David was angered by the Philistine’s taunting.  His heart’s desire was to see an end to the battle and a victory for the Lord. His brother, Eliab, thought David was just there to see the battle and falsely accused him of a wicked heart. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for loved ones to shoot down our desire to try something risky for God.When David went to Saul to request a chance to defeat Goliath, Saul looked upon him as a boy looking for excitement.

David defended his actions by explaining he had killed bears and lions as a shepherd and was sure that God was on his side. He was willing to take a chance.So, with Saul’s blessing, David headed onto the battlefield and confronted Goliath.  As Goliath moved forward, he shouted threats and names, trying to intimidate David with all of his weapons and mighty army.  David slowly took a rock from his pouch. He raised his hand, slinging the rock directly at Goliath’s head and hit him in the forehead. Goliath collapsed, dead.

David took a chance because his faith was strong. He knew the Lord was at his side and, no matter the outcome, it was better to have faith in the Lord than do nothing.Taking a chance is your opportunity to obey God.  God doesn’t expect us to sit idly while life passes by. Each day is a gift. Sometimes it requires taking a chance in order to learn God’s voice.  When it works out, God is pleased. When it doesn’t, pick yourself up, try again, and God is pleased. Having faith can be risky. James 1:2-4, NIV says “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Take a chance on life. Take a chance on new opportunities. Take a chance on Jesus….He is Lord.

Submitted by Pam Ninness