I Samuel 17:48 says, “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 of the Philistine.”
The phrase “time to run” could be used lightly; “it’s time to run,” or “we better get going before we are late.” It could also be a thought in the face of danger; a tree falling, an avalanche, or blue lights in the rear-view mirror.
Snuggles was a little white dog (part American Eskimo and part Pomeranian). People often called him a “she” because he was small and cuddly. He was lovable and friendly. Inside that small frame was a brave heart. He was a bird killer, a weasel killer, and a rat killer. These are the only things I saw him kill. His method was simple. He ran at his enemy full speed. He would run at a bird in the yard. By the time the bird realized the danger, he was there. The bird would lift off too late. Snuggles would jump and catch it in the air. I witnessed several bird killings, but only one weasel killing. The weasel was standing on its hind legs in the yard putting fear in the kids. The bird dog was barking at it and trying to decide how to attack it. When Snuggles saw it, he ran full speed and killed it instantly. I liked the rat killing best. A rat had climbed up into the engine compartment of our Arctic Cat. Snuggles saw it, but couldn’t get at it. He tried to crawl up in there. He was whining and yelping like a blood hound. I took a garden hose and tried to flush it out, without results. Donna said to stop for awhile and maybe the rat would try to escape. It worked! The rat didn’t make five feet on the ground when Snuggles had it killed.
There is a lot to be said for running full force against the enemy as Snuggles and David proved. There is more to it than that, however. David was prepared to meet the Philistine. It wasn’t a lucky shot that hit Goliath in his uncovered face. David had used that sling hundreds of times.
As a boy, I was fairly accurate with a sling shot. A sling is different. It has great range, but is more difficult to control. Many of the things we do in life are only practice shots. The point is, keep practicing. God has greater plans for you down the road.
David was not only prepared, he was persuaded. He was persuaded that he was serving the right God. He was persuaded that God was on his side. He was persuaded that God would get the glory over the Philistine and his army. He knew he was going to win. He could see the big picture. He had no fear, for the Living God was with him. He had a heart like Snuggles—so to speak.
David was not only prepared and persuaded, he was also peculiar. Peculiar? Yes! He was the only one around with a sling. As a boy, I wanted a rifle so badly. The answer was “no.” As I explored the woods around us, it was always with the sling shot. None of my friends did that. Being peculiar is lonely business.
David wasn’t liked by his brothers. King Saul had doubts about him. Goliath looked at David and ridiculed and cursed him. The big thing that made David peculiar was what he said to Goliath; “I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.”Â
How often do we hear that statement? David knew the God he was declaring. It was a life-long relationship that David had. David ran from Saul and Absalom, yes. But when it came to Goliath, David had a heart that tasted the victory. In the name of the Lord, it was time to run! Let us take heart. Today could be the day for you and me when God says, “It’s time to run!”
