Sylvester Stallone and Max Lucado have one thing in common – failure! Stallone wrote the screenplay for the movie Rocky. There was just one problem. No one wanted it. Lucado experienced the same dilemma when he offered his first manuscript to publishers. In his case, he was turned down about fifteen times. Imagine . . . someone told Sylvester Stallone and Max Lucado, “You don’t have what it takes.” I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. There have been many failure forecasts:
- “He possesses minimal football knowledge. Lacks motivation.” (About Vince Lombardi)
- “These boys won’t make it. Go back to Liverpool, Mr. Epstein.” (Record company to the Beatles manager after their first audition.)
- “Can’t act, slightly bald! Can dance a little.” (About Fred Astair)
- “He doesn’t wear socks and forgets to cut his hair. Could be mentally retarded.” (About Albert Einstein)
- “That boy can’t play baseball. He can’t pull the ball.” (About Hank Aaron)
- “Is a constant trouble to everybody … cannot be trusted to behave himself. Class ranking 29th of 29.” (About Winston Churchill)
People love to say, “You can’t!” David knew that with God’s help – he could!
For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God— his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. (2 Samuel 22:29-35 ESV)
David had his naysayers. I am sure some said, “David, wake up and smell the coffee! Saul is jealous. The nation is tattered. Surrounding armies hate you. Your family is divided. You can’t do it!” David knew they were right. He couldn’t do it! The problems were insurmountable. They were unscalable walls for him, but not for God.
David could leap over any wall with God’s help. So can you!
DIG DEEPER: Reread 2 Samuel 22:29-35. Identify at least five characteristics of God that give you confidence that with his help you can leap over your wall of adversity.