OverwhelmedSample

God Is For You ! The Israelites were overwhelmed. Though the men of Israel were trained for battle and encamped in the Valley of Elah, they faced a great threat that seemed too much to handle, let alone overcome. They had gathered to battle their enemy, the Philistines, and were encamped across the valley on the other mountainside. Any enemy positioned to battle is overwhelming, but to make matters much worse there was a mighty man of war named Goliath, who stood close to 10 feet tall, wearing a coat of armor weighing 125 pounds. This giant was so intimidating that he not only carried a sword to kill anyone who dared to fight him, but even the iron spearhead weighed 15 pounds! Goliath was fearless, ready to pounce upon any man that would fight. 1 Samuel 17:11 says that as this giant that overwhelmed all of Israel spewed his threats, King Saul and all of Israel heard Goliath’s words, were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 1 Samuel 17:24 goes on to say that when the men of Israel saw this giant, they fled from him because they were dreadfully afraid. To say the least, this enemy overwhelmed the Israelites! The word overwhelmed literally means to be buried or drown beneath a huge mass. It also means to be completely defeated. Are you overwhelmed today? Do you feel like there is something you are facing where you feel like you are drowning, buried, powerless, and defeated? Perhaps you are like the Israelites that stood before Goliath and you just want to run far away since things look hopeless. You are dreadfully afraid, which alone keeps you bound and paralyzed in life. Perhaps you are drowning in shame and guilt, embarrassed from what you have said or done. Maybe as you read this you are defeated by sin or an addiction that is raging against you. Are you overwhelmed with insecurity or even inadequacy, feeling as though there is no use in fighting anymore against what is overwhelming you? Loss may be your theme during this season and heartache is overwhelming. You can honestly say that you are void of peace, rest, and joy in life. Rather, you are dominated by fear, discouragement, and anxiety each moment. The good news is that it is not the will of God for you to live overwhelmed. In fact, as we will see the next six days, God desires to overwhelm that which overwhelms you! There is no one or nothing that can equal God (Isaiah 40:25-26). He is the mighty God, who is for you and not against you (Romans 8:31). The plans that this loving and powerful God has for you is for good, and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus is about to reveal to you and show you His overwhelming, life-changing love and power the next few days. In Jesus’ name, you will be free from being overwhelmed in life. God is about to free you, empower you, and restore you to live the abundant life that the enemy has stolen (John 10:10).