Weekly Devotion December 4, 2023

This Devotion was written by Sportsmen Devotional and posted with permission

Bible Study Verse: Deuteronomy 31:23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you. (NIV©) 

Thoughts: Something I frequently saw in Hunter Education classes was youngsters that were afraid of the gun, both the noise and, particularly, the recoil. Obviously, quality hearing protection took care of the noise. But, why were they afraid of the recoil? Because someone, usually a parent, had told them that the gun’s “kick” would hurt. Whenever I sensed this in a class, I would have an instructor put one of the .22 Long Rifle rifles the kids would be shooting to their nose and fire it to show the kids that a .22 LR rifle wouldn’t hurt them. The next step was to assure the students that the instructors would be there all the while they were shooting, to help with firearms, and to be sure everything was OK. We could see the students’ confidence and courage grow right before our eyes, along with the fun and the sheer excitement of shooting! 

Action Point: As Christians, we are going to face spiritual battles that we are afraid of. When I do, I go back to Joshua and repeat today’s verses in my mind, along with Ephesians 6 where we are instructed to put on the armor of God to fight our battles. The shepherd boy David was a great example of this. When he faced Goliath, he tried to go fight wearing someone else’s armor, but he could hardly walk, let alone fight with it on. So, David took off the armor and went out and fought Goliath in the power of “the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel,” (1 Samuel 17:45). David fought with what God gave him. Yes, that included David’s learned skill with a sling and a rock, but, more importantly, David fought with his faith in the LORD Almighty! Let’s take lessons from Joshua and David. When the battle is upon us, let’s remember who fights for us: the God of the armies of Israel! We are to suit up and be strong in the mighty power of God! Remember, “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” (Exodus 15:3). The Father will never abandon us! Knowing that, it is a lot easier to be courageous in any spiritual battle you may face! 

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day: Parents, it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, don’t hand your 10-year-old a .300 Winchester Magnum and not expect it to hurt. Start them with a .22 LR. And, DO NOT tell your kids that the gun they are shooting will hurt them, even by asking innocent questions like, “Did that feel OK?” “Did that hurt?” What you are actually telling them is that the gun is supposed to hurt. Encourage them. Cheer them on after each shot and tell them how good they are doing. Most of all, let them have fun!