Can You Hear Me Now?

I would venture to say that all of you out there know the story behind the man in this picture here. Verizon wireless is known very well for this guy and all of his commercials. Just saying six words... "Can you hear me now? Good."

These kinds of commercials are always a bit amusing to me. People all around are in competition to get the public to have their particular brand of clothing, kind of car, and even phone service. No surprise here, but this makes me think of my spiritual life...

There's a story in I Samuel about a man named Goliath. Not your average Joe here by any means. This guy was a giant. The problem I have with Goliath is the same problem David had with him. Goliath defied the army of Israel and cursed the Lord Almighty. We all know the story... David had God on his side, went out and slew Goliath.

Let's jump to present day: Our enemy (or Goliath) is in fact ole slewfoot himself. The devil wants nothing more than for you to be afraid just as the Israelites were. Satan is trying his very best to get you to remain quiet and just do nothing about the problems and torment he tries to bring on you and your life. He's shouting at you, defying your God, telling you that you can't make it, you'll never be good enough, and you'll always be bound to your problems.

Friends, we have to shout back at the enemy! MAKE SOME NOISE!!! David was only a shepherd boy tending to his father's sheep. Had some problems (a lion and a bear) but he trusted in God and was able to conquer those battles. When it came time for Goliath, David knew where to turn... Just like before, God brought him through because he was not afraid to shout back at the enemy!

Young people (and old, middle aged, etc.) MAKE SOME NOISE! Let the enemy know who you are, what you stand for, and that you're still here and not going anywhere! Make sure the devil knows you exist and that you're not going to sit down and take his junk anymore.

David shouted back at Goliath letting him know that God is on his side and that he would prevail. He ran to the battle line, shot his stone and won the victory. Now YOU: Shout at the enemy! Let him know that nothing formed against you shall prosper. Stand on God's Word and His promises. Make yourself loud and clear. Then run full-force to the battle line, pull out your sword, which is the Word of God, and kill your giant!

No more settling for what trouble the enemy hands you! No more dealing with the torment he tries to bring on you! Sing it, "No more chains holding me, from now on I am free. I'M GONNA SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!!!" Make yourself heard! Run to the battle line and take back what's yours! Take it! Take it by force! It's YOUR lost family, it's YOUR relationships, it's YOUR victory! Take it! Take it! Take it!

The enemy has been waiting for you to just give up. Just curse God and die, like he tried on Job. Well, after you've made yourself heard, after you've done so much for God and dove so deep into a relationship with Him that nothing the enemy tries against you can prosper, turn and ask him... "Can you hear me now"?

J.H.