The story about the battle between David and Goliath is one that many people have heard of, but not many people realize how empowering this story really is. It teaches us about God’s ability to use his children in extraordinary ways regardless of how capable they appear to be.
The Story
Towards the end of Saul’s ruling as King, he was at battle against the Philistines. Saul and the Israelites were camped at one hill and the Philistines stood on the other hill with the Valley of Elah running between them. A massive and powerful man named Goliath, who was wearing a bronze helmet and suit of armor, came out from the Philistine camp and challenged the Israelites to send a man to fight him. The deal was that if the Israelite killed Goliath then Saul would get to take control of the Philistines. If Goliath won, then the Philistines get to overtake the Israelites. For forty days, Goliath waited for someone to come forward and fight him.
David, the youngest son of Jesse, had been traveling back and forth between tending his father’s flock and watching the battle. When he heard Goliath’s proposition, he began asking questions to the other soldiers. Saul heard about David’s questions and went to go see him. David told Saul he wanted to fight Goliath. While Saul didn’t believe David could defeat Goliath because of his youth and inexperience, David explained how God is with him and would give him the power to defeat Goliath.
Goliath didn’t take David seriously, but with just his slingshot and a couple stones, David was able to defeat Goliath.
Make a stand
David wanted to take on the challenge of Goliath. No matter who told him he wasn’t capable of winning, he stood up for himself, and didn’t let anyone make him fearful. Just like David, we must have courage to stand up for what we believe in. If the Holy Spirit calls us to do something, we must do it, even if it may seem impossible.
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.’”
(1 Samuel 17:32)
Find Confidence from Experience
When David explained to Saul that he was capable of fighting, he told Saul about the time that he killed a lion and a bear. David knew that God was the one who rescued him from those animals. David reasoned that if God was with him during that time, God would give him the ability to beat Goliath. Just like David did, we too can think back to prior experiences where God helped us get through our difficulties. If God was able to get you through a hard time in the past, he can help you now.
“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)
Believe that Nothing is Impossible with God
David knew that the Lord would be with him. The odds were against David. He was smaller, weaker, less experienced, and didn’t have a lot of weapons. David didn’t let his disadvantages stop him from fighting. Just like David, we must believe that we can do anything if we submit ourselves to God. God delivered Goliath into David’s hands and, if it is His will, God can make the impossible happen in our lives too.
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (1 Samuel 17:45)