David defeated Goliath because He already knew God’s strength.

The following made me think, “Each step in the divine process has value on its own. But none of them are the end goal. Each step points toward a greater destination.”

The twelve spies were to scout the Land God said would be theirs. This was the goal – a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – a land where their descendants would call home.

Getting out of Egypt was not the goal, but a step in the journey. Crossing the Red Sea on dry ground was not the goal, but a step closer to home. Winning their first war with the Amalekites wasn’t the end game either, making a homeland in Canaan was.

Each challenge overcome strengthened them for the next step in their journey, so they would be ready for the ultimate challenge – taking Canaan.

The Israelites, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, had short memories. They forgot how far they had come, with Whom they came and what they had already seen God do.

In comparison, the giants in the Land should have been child’s play! Each victory should have given them strength to go forward in fulfilling the ultimate goal – making Canaan Israel. Yet they quit and were stuck in the desert.

The goal for Jesus’ believers will always be to become like Jesus. To keep going forward, we must remember the victories we’ve already seen the Spirit accomplish in and through us up to this point in time.

The Psalmist described this as moving from strength to strength (84:7). Strength gained from past victories can be used to face the current challenges the Spirit will use to further transform our lives into Christlike character, which only increases our strength.

Strength to strength. Remember and praise God for what He’s already done. This forms the basis of taking your current anxiety, frustration or challenge to Him. Then you can stay focused on the truths He wants you to follow in the present, which gives you the strength to become more like Jesus – the ultimate goal.