Battling my own demons......

I've been doing a Bible Study on the life of David "A Heart Like His" by Beth Moore. I guess what has struck a cord with me is all the hand to hand battling that went on in the old testament.

War has gotten so technical now.....guns, tanks, planes etc. Yes, people die and the results are dramatic but I wonder how quick we would be to face our enemy in hand to hand combat. To actually look into his eyes while engaging in a power struggle.

David engaged in battle against people who had taken captive their family members and burned and looted their town. David had assurance from God that he should pursue the raiding party and that they would be victorious. (1 Samuel 30:8)

What I learned from this story is:

1. Assured victory does not mean and easy win. God told David in advance what the outcome would be. The end was exactly as God had promised.....it was the troublesome middle part that was the problem. In order to win the battle scripture says it was hard work, exhasting, and was non-stop 24 -hour battle. God often gives us a victory that requires blood, sweat, and tears so He can bring about a victory, strengthen and mature us at the same time. God not only worked a victory through David, He also worked one in David. David came out of the battle with grace and mercy and a better grasp on God's Soverity.

2. We don't have to win big to win. David brought home all the captives and all the plunder but 400 men escaped. David could have been furious with himself because some of the enemy got away. Too often we miss the big picture and focus on our failures forgetting the ultimate outcome.

On a personal note I've been battling my own demons.....over eating. It's been a very personal battle with lots of hand to hand (or rather hand to mouth) conflicts. I've been assured of victory if I stay the course but to win will not be an easy victory. I have been gently reminded that I know what to do and I know the outcome. Again, it's the middle part that always gets me into trouble. The daily putting what I know into practice....it's hard work, exhausting and a 24-hour struggle.

You don't have to win big to win. Wow, what a statement. I win every time I exercise, stay withing my dietary limitations, drink my water and stayed focused. It doesn't matter if there aren't big loses at the scale, it matters that I remain faithful to what I know and put it into practice. Keep on, keeping on and trust God for the results.