Dave, the Javelin Thrower
Thursday, November 17, 2022
“Satan laughs at the javelin, but he trembles at prayer.” – C.H. Spurgeon
In the early days of my prison ministry career, one of the better players on our softball team was named Dave. He had been a star track and field athlete in high school and, in fact, was so proficient at throwing the javelin that he was later inducted into the Camden County Sports Hall of Fame.
One time, when we went into a prison, it was Dave’s turn to share his testimony during our postgame gospel presentation. Innocently but awkwardly, Dave described himself as a “spear chucker” to the mostly minority group of inmates. Fortunately, the inmates saw Dave’s heart and didn’t take offense at his self-description.
The truth that Charles Spurgeon is conveying in today’s quote is that even the sharpest and most accurately thrown javelin has no effect on Satan. After all, he was once one of the greatest of God’s angels. Tragically, his pride led him to challenge the Most High, a gamble at which he failed miserably and a rebellion for which he was cast out of heaven.
However, the point (no pun intended) is that Satan remains extremely powerful today and our manmade weapons are of little consequence to him. BUT… and it’s a BIG BUT… if we avail ourselves of the most powerful weapon at our disposal, he cringes and cowers in fright and fear.
What is that ultimate weapon? P-R-A-Y-E-R!!! Calling on God in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit unleashes the very forces of heaven… and Satan is no match for them. His hands sweat, his knees knock, and the color drains from his face.
My friend, when you are faced with a powerful enemy, a difficult situation, or a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, my advice is to fall to your knees and call in some heavenly reinforcements.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
