This morning
I read about David –
a teenage boy
who went to battle Goliath
an armoured, experienced
Philistine war hero
while he, himself,
was armed only
with a slingshot
and five smooth pebbles.

It must have been
like seeing the Karate Kid
preparing to face-up
to the Incredible Hulk!

To everyone’s amazement
David defeated Goliath.

As I picture the scene
in my mind’s eye
I immediately think
of two friends of mine
who do battle every day
with pain –
in one case physical
and in the other case, mental.
Some days
it’s just a dull ache.
Other days
they suffer excruciating pain
or mental anguish.

Pain –
every …
single …
day.

It can feel unbearable,
insurmountable,
hopeless.

It can look as impossible
as David the shepherd boy
facing up to Goliath the Champion.

But what Goliath couldn’t see
was David’s invisible weapon –
his steadfast faith in God.

Lord,
please bless my two friends
this morning
who rise today
to face up to some degree
of pain.

Give them a sense
that you, Almighty God,
are by their side
just as you were
by David’s side.

Give to them
the strength that they need
today.
Renew their faith
and give them hope that,
with you by their side,
they may conquer
their pain.

© Claire Murray