This Leader Who Started in Such a Lowly and Humble Manner Rose to Become King in His Nation!

France and Italy have been knocked out of the 2010 World cup tournament in South Africa, in the first round. There are always shocks and there are always disappointments, no matter which sport you play, and of course, it applies not only to sport but to every area of life. This is where leadership is so important. How do we recover from shocks and disappointment?
Many years ago there was a man called Ernst Willimowski who played for Poland. He scored four goals in one match against brazil of all teams, and yet Poland lost five six! On that day Willimowski excelled as an individual but that was not enough to enable his team to win the match.
Soccer is a team game and if the team is not good enough then it matters not how brilliant one individual performance may be on the day.
Life is like this too, and in business this is crucial, and it works the other way too. Some individuals in the banking and financial and commercial world have acted and behaved extremely irresponsibly bring down not only their bank of corporation but the whole economy.
Writing as disciple of Jesus Christ and a student of the Bible I turned to these verses in the book of I Samuel and considered that account of David and Goliath.
Goliath was a giant with a huge spear and he unwisely challenged Israel to come and fight. It is never wise to issue a challenge to the people of God.
Young David came along with food for his brothers who were in the Israeli army under the leadership of King Saul. David was a shepherd boy. No amount of training in this area of warfare could have enabled him to defeat Goliath.
He took five stones and with his skill as a sling shooter he slew Goliath with his first stone. Goliath died and I do not think he ever thought such a thing would enter his head. David had four more stones and it has often been wondered if these were in case Goliath's four brothers appeared. Yes, he did have four brothers. Check it out.
David's strength in one sense lay in what he said. "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
David knew that the living God was with him and that God is active and mighty and able and powerful, and that Almighty God can use a man who goes out to serve in His holy name. David also knew that as he served God in this way no one could defeat him.
He would soon be on the throne of the nation of Israel, giving the most powerful leadership, but note carefully as to how it is began. It started in a very humble and lowly but highly significant way.
This young shepherd boy who was trained in the wilderness of Judea and who had fought against bears and lions, knew what he was doing and he knew whom he was serving, and yes, there were bears and lions in that jungle area some three thousand years ago.
When we are confronted by giants and when gigantic problems face us we need the supernatural help of the living God. Never be ashamed to ask Him and call upon His name. The risen and living Lord Jesus Christ is more than willing to help those who ask and who go on asking for his divine help.
Whatever the problem is that is confronting you, consider this powerful example of dependent leadership and triumph and overcome and be victorious.
Sandy Shaw