Frankie Mazzapica - The Fight That Formed You
The title of today’s message is «The Fight That Formed You.» Some of you are incredibly generous financially, even if it’s not a lot of money—whether it’s $10, $5, or $100. You’re generous when it comes to giving tips, and part of the reason you’re generous is that you know what it feels like to stress about finances. You know what it feels like, and so when you have an opportunity to help someone else, you jump on it. You’ve become incredibly generous, even though some of you still face financial difficulties. You remain generous because you understand that struggle; that fight formed you into a generous person. You weren’t generous before you understood what it was like to fight for it—that fight shaped you.
Some of you have experienced tremendous stress and battles within your own family, and you’ve become a source of encouragement to others because you can look into someone’s eyes and tell that they’re fighting something—you recognize it instinctively because you’ve lived it. Therefore, you’ve become one of the most encouraging people in your circle. You weren’t always this encouraging; it was the fight you endured that made you an encouraging person. Many of you have overcome significant battles—some with addiction, others with mental and emotional struggles. You overcame them, and for that reason, you are a source of strength to others. But you were not always that way; it was the fight that formed you.
I want to address those of you who are saying, «Hey, I’m still fighting those battles.» Even as you continue to contend with these struggles, that constant fight is shaping you, and it has already formed you into someone from whom others can draw strength. God is able to flow through you and touch people; you are useful to Him. He can use you because you know what it’s like to fight. It’s the fight that formed you.
I want to talk about David this morning—he fought three key battles, each one-on-one. He led an army many times, but he had three specific battles where it was just him and the opponent. The first was with a lion, the second with a bear, and the third with a giant. Each of these battles was distinctly different, requiring different strategies and approaches. When David stood before Saul and Saul said, «We have Goliath out there, we have a giant out there,» David replied, «Look, I’m ready for that battle.» It’s recorded in 1 Samuel 17:34: «Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it. 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.»
Can you imagine when a lion takes a sheep? If I were a shepherd and a lion came to take one of my sheep, I would probably grab my sheep and run but not David; he said, «Hold on a second, you don’t come into my space,» and he went after the lion. He faced the same situation with the bear. Let’s talk about the lion for a moment. When a lion attacks, it’s different from the bear and the giant; it springs on you. You don’t see it coming, and it always aims for the neck. You’ve seen this on TV: it doesn’t matter how big or small its prey is, the lion always goes for the neck. This is distinct from any other battle. Lions approach stealthily, waiting for an opportune moment, and then they strike.
I recall an experience during a ministry trip; I was sitting in the hotel lobby when a woman started screaming on the phone, «You’re lying, you’re lying,» collapsing to the ground while crying. She had just learned that her father died moments before the call. One second everything was fine, and the next, her world changed drastically—it pounced in, just like a lion. Have you ever received news that changed your entire life in an instant? It’s like a lion that springs in unexpectedly. It’s fascinating how when a lion attacks, it targets the neck because if it can grab the neck, it also silences the voice of its prey.
When a lion enters your life out of nowhere, it’s coming for your voice. You might notice that when someone has encountered such an attack, they stop worshipping. They aren’t singing worship songs in their cars, and when they come to church, they become spectators rather than participants. Some of you are listening and saying, «Hey, you’ve described that well.» I didn’t read it in a book; I’ve lived it, just like everyone else. When lions pounce in, you might find yourself with your head down, feeling as if you are at odds with your family. Your family could be right next to you, and you’re thinking, «This is not okay.»
My wife is very intuitive, and while I love her, sometimes I just want her to leave me alone. When she asks, «Are you okay?» I end up lying, responding, «I’m fine.» Eventually, my «fines» get louder. It makes me want to shut down instead of opening up in worship. Sometimes, you have to worship when you don’t feel like it, and that determination will decide whether or not you will defeat this lion. If the enemy can take your voice, he will keep you in that season. Have you ever met someone who has gone through a tough time, and months later, they’re still stuck in that same place? It’s like the lion took their voice. They’re not singing worship anymore; they’ve lost their song.
The reason the enemy wants your voice is that your voice carries your victory. When you say, «Jesus, I know you’re before me, I’m scared right now, but I’m trusting you,» that’s your victory. If you’re in a season of struggle, it’s crucial that you keep worshipping. You should feel God’s presence more in the valley than anywhere else. I want to talk about the bear now. The bear doesn’t fight like the lion; it doesn’t just spring into your life. The bear weighs between 800 and 1,000 pounds—it’s heavy and loud. However, it fights by using its weight, leaning on you until you can no longer take it.
When you watch a bear fight, at first, it’s tough to tell which one will win. But then one bear starts leaning on the other, and gradually, the pressure becomes unbearable. This kind of pressure is not a surprise; it’s something you face daily—anxiety and worry that weighs you down. If you’re a single parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about; it’s always there. Some people in your life can exert a heavy emotional burden, and their words don’t align with their actions. Their presence can significantly weigh you down, and you might find yourself feeling weaker than before.
Regardless of whether the struggle springs on you or weighs you down, the victory remains the same. It’s about lifting your chin. I’ve noticed that when I become depressed, my chin drops. But when I believe in God, my chin goes up. You can gauge your level of faith by your posture. Even in times of struggle, experiencing God’s presence gives you a protective space where nothing outside can affect you.
Just because you feel weak doesn’t mean you aren’t getting stronger. Some of you might feel weak right now, but let me remind you: you are stronger than ever. You might not see it, but if you were carrying what you’re carrying now ten years ago, you would likely have crumbled. Yet, you are still here, lifting your chin high even while battling your bear.
You might be thinking, «I can’t handle this on my own, but I know a God who can.» If He has rescued you from a surprise attack, He will surely lead you through this pressure. Do you believe that? Come on, put your hands together! When you feel the weight of these surprise attacks trying to silence your worship, remember this: keep it simple. Sometimes it goes, «I love you, I need you» Those simple declarations can change everything, but be most alarmed when you can’t utter a word—that’s the time to pay attention. God knows your heart, but it is your confession that matters.
Let’s talk about the giant now, the battle that stands between you and your destiny. The lion tries to take your voice, and the bear tries to push you down, but Goliath represents your identity—the way you see yourself versus how He sees you. Goliath will whisper lies, making you feel unworthy or unqualified, and you know Goliath has your ear when you are consumed with shame. When you begin to doubt, that’s when Goliath is holding your identity captive.
When David encountered Goliath, he was met with mockery and intimidation. Goliath said, «Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?» He cursed David, aiming to belittle him—calling into question his worthiness. But David countered with confidence in God saying, «The battle is the Lord’s, and He will deliver you into my hands.» David was unbothered by Goliath’s words because he knew who he was, and he realized it didn’t depend on what others said about him.
David was not just a shepherd; he was destined to be king. This realization meant he could stand firm against any giant. All of Judah was afraid, hiding from Goliath, but when David faced the giant, something shifted; his private battles built his strength. David conquered Goliath and moved into the palace; he didn’t step in and out. When you cling to your identity, you don’t just take temporary steps forward; you become more alive.
God promoted David not when he was in the palace but when he was entrenched in battle. Sometimes, it’s the fight that promotes you—not the applause. So, for those of you fighting battles right now, you are stronger than you think. Keep worshipping; your voice carries the victory. Do you receive that? Come on, let’s celebrate! Now, I invite the prayer partners to come forward. Sometimes, you simply need someone to pray with you. If you’d like someone to pray for you or your children, don’t hesitate to come down. If all the prayer partners are busy, just come to the bottom of the aisle, and our ushers will assist you in finding someone.
There’s no formal dismissal; you can leave whenever you’re ready. But let’s sing through this song one time before anyone goes. May the Lord bless you, keep you, shine His face down upon you, and be gracious to you. May His countenance be lifted upon you and bring you peace. In Jesus' name, amen.