I once asked one of our faithful deacons to lead our church in developing a five-year Strategic plan. The Lord placed in my heart the need for us to strategize so that we might continue to grow as a body in Christ. There are obstacles and barriers in our society that must be overcome before the work of the Kingdom can move forward. I asked the deacon to lead because of his many gifts, his optimism and his spiritual lens. I have never heard him say a negative word about the church or about the forces around us. However, he is not naïve or oblivious to the challenges we face; he is grounded in the Lord. One thing that the church needs is more people with spiritual optimism. In 1 Samuel 17:45, we find these words:

“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

David has no fear of Goliath, the giant.  David is but a lad, without armor or a shield. However, he comes in the name of the Lord with what he does have – a slingshot!  Oh my God! David was victorious over Goliath because he did not view this huge obstacle as if he was defeated. David stood firm, grounded in the power of God. He could see what Goliath could not see. How strong are we in our faith? Do we have spiritual optimism? Prayerfully, we do.  And prayerfully we know that God will bring us through any battle that we face.