Rich repayment comes to him who endures in quiet strength. Bravest is he who rules his passions and sways his own impatience.

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’” Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift!  (Isaiah 30:15-16 N.I.V)

Superheroes are depicted as big, strong, swift and courageous. But often these giants can be defeated through some smart moves by people who appear much weaker. In 1 Samuel Chapter 17 we read of the fight between the mighty Goliath and David.  David’s confidence in defeating Goliath was borne out of his faith in God. God had helped him kill a lion and a bear as he looked after his father's sheep, and he would also give him victory over Goliath. David said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”1 Samuel 17:37. David did not listen to detractors who thought him too small and untrained in war, and he rejected the protection of Saul’s amour as it was too heavy for him. Armed with a stone and sling, David felled Goliath, and the Philistines who witnessed the defeat of their hero, were left with no option but to flee.

Jesus demonstrated the strength of quietness and trust in God by coming to us in service rather than as an earthly prince. With his life he taught us how to live with others; to be humble, merciful, peacemakers, serving devoutly.  It is with values such as these that we can be able to overcome in the world rather than with arrogance and confidence in our own wisdom and strength.

"Calmly take what ill betideth; Patience wins the crown at length: Rich repayment him abideth, Who endures in quiet strength.

Brave the tamer of the lion; Brave whom conquered kingdoms praise; Bravest he who rules his passions, Who his own impatience sways". - Johann Gottfried Herder

When faced with the trial for his life, Jesus did not answer the High Priest when asked if He was the Son of God. He did not need to exalt himself since he knew that He would be vindicated in time. He suffered through the trial with patience and endurance. And in the end he overcame death through resurrection.

Who or what is your “Goliath” or “swift horse”? Your Goliath will meet a smart David and your swift horse one will meet one that is swifter, and then where will you be? Trusting in your own power will lead you astray. God says, “Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10 . Witness the things God will do for you when you stop depending on your own strength and that of your clutches and start depending on him for all provision.

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"No matter how steep the mountain - the Lord is going to climb it with you". Helen Steiner Rice
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