Catalyst
Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was a giant of a man, measuring over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, a two-hundred-pound coat of mail, bronze leggings, and carried a bronze javelin several inches thick, tipped with a twenty-five-pound iron spearhead 1 Sam 17:4-7 (TLB)
On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 1 Sam 17:11 (NIV)
For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 1 Sam 17:16 (NIV)
When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines 1 Sam 17:51-52 (NIV)
It should be noted that David’s victory was not the only victory that day. It might have been his only victory – but there were many other victories won by the soldiers of Israel.
If David’s victory had been the only one – Israel would still be camped by the valley of Elah today. But his victory inspired the others. David was a catalyst.
What is a Catalyst?
When I taught Sunday School – one of my teen students answered that question with – “A cowboy?”
Well – it might sound like “Someone that studies cattle” – but actually – more like a shotgun shell…
What inspired David to become a catalyst?
He was called
The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king. 1 Sam 16:1 (NIV)
Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:6-7 (NIV)
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. 1 Sam 16:13 (NIV)
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Cor 1:26-29 (NIV)
A catalyst recognizes that God has a purpose for them.
He had something worth fighting for
Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? 1 Sam 17:26 (NKJV)
And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" 1 Sam 17:29 (NKJV)
Where there is no vision, the people perish: Prov 29:18 (KJV)
A catalyst recognizes that some things are more important than comfort and safety.
He had an experience with God
But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them… The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Sam 17:34-37 (NIV)
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; Rev 12:11 (NIV)
A catalyst remembers their previous successes, no matter how small.
He trusted God to use what he had
So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them." So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. 1 Sam 17:38-40 (NKJV)
The man with the two talents also came. “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.” His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Matt 25:22-23 (NIV)
A catalyst focuses on what they have, not what they lack.
He did what he could
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. 1 Sam 17:48-49 (NIV)
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might Eccl 9:10 (NIV)
A catalyst takes the next step
Get Something Started!
God's not looking for a one-man band. He is looking for the cap in the end of the shotgun shell. God is looking for a catalyst. He is looking for a person that will just get something started.
You are not alone… You may not be able to see the other soldiers right now – but they will show up. Who knows, your small act of service may be the thing that inspires the others.
Elijah
…I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. 1 Kings 19:14 (NIV)
The LORD said to him, "Go… …Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:15,18 (NIV)
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