THE COUSINS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"These four Philistines were descended from the giants of Gath, but they were killed by David and his warriors." 2 Samuel 21:22 NLT

I can imagine the battle scene.

David arrives and is briefed by his special ops director. David quickly prays asking God's guidance and favor, then he calls his soldiers into formation.

I can see David's face as they top the hill or maybe round the bend and he sees the four giants standing before him.

His mind flashes back to a valley in the Judean hills were as a young boy he was called upon to stand before a giant.

He can literally feel the smooth stones in the palm of his hands.

He is spurred on by the fact that God walked him through that battle, so he presses on.

How do I know that's how he felt?

Been there.

Few mornings do I wake up and not find cousins of yesterday's defeated temptations standing beside my bed or whispering in my ear the moment I rise for the day.

I realize, from time in the Word and from life experiences, that there are some battles that are fought and won once and for all--and there are some battles that carry on into the next day, and the next day and the next day.

Giants have cousins.

That fact does not surprise God!