He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:40
I think this is one of the “loudest” stories in the Bible. It spoke volumes to me as a kid… and still does today. The main lesson from this – for me – is the necessity of faith to overcome what the world throws our way.
Sometimes we just have to trust (have faith) that God will take care of it all! That He has a plan.
I know, I know… that’s not the easy or popular thing to do. We’re told that “we can do it” and that “we have the power to make changes ourselves” and that “it’s all about our happiness.”
Bleh… I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
But God is in control and David knew it. He trusted. He had faith… BIG faith.
If you remember, the Philistine army had gathered for war against Israel. These two armies camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. Every day for 40 days, Goliath (a Philistine giant over 9 feet tall and wearing over 120 lbs of full armor) came out mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. Understandably Saul, the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified and paralyzed in fear.
David was too young to fight, so instead Jesse made him run back and forth to check on his brothers. He happened to show up one day to see the fear of his countrymen when Goliath came out. Instead of being afraid himself… his true character came out. He boldly said, “I’ll go fight…” (v.32)
He was a warrior filled with faith… and He wasn’t about to let this giant beat them.
Don’t you want to be known as having a “David-sized-faith?” I do!
When the Evil One sends a “Goliath” into my life… I want to burn inside with righteous anger and say, “I’ll go fight!”
I wonder, what is your Goliath today?
- A marriage that is failing?
- Your child who is struggling in school?
- Mounting bills that can’t be paid?
- Feeling alone and unlovable?
- Justice that never seems to come?
- A job that challenges your value system?
Hear me, friends. You. Are. Not. Defeated! Have faith and fight for it!!!
I’m in tears as I write this because just like David, I want more than anything for you to experience God’s awesome power that is available to you!
As Goliath moved in for the kill, David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath’s head. Finding a hole in the armor, the stone sank into the giant’s forehead and he fell face down on the ground. David then took Goliath’s sword, killed him and then cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. So the Israelites pursued, chasing and killing them and plundering their camp. (v49-53)
It just took one little act of faith… and one big God. Goliath was defeated.
- David wasn’t worried about how big Goliath was… because he knew God was bigger.
- He wasn’t concerned that his weapons weren’t as impressive as Goliath’s… because he knew God was stronger.
- David wasn’t intimated by his verbal tauntings… because he knew God’s words were truer.
Picture me holding your face in my hands and looking into your eyes while I say this to you… “Beloved, while your “Goliaths” are real and scary and can cause your knees to buckle, remember that they are strategically placed by the enemy. God gives you strength to overcome! Have the faith to pick up your shiny stone and sling… and hurl it.“
Now stop being paralyzed in fear and go fight for it!
©2010 careyscotttalks.com
So Lydia my 3 year old learned about David and Goliath last night at church. I asked who this was (pointing to her coloring of David) “That’s Gaya!” she said – “And, what is he holding?” I responded. “That’s a singshock!”
I have to admit that I have been fooled by the enemy when he has placed Giants in my life. And sometimes ‘the’ giant looked like a whole army. Then God reminds me that many times the armies of Israel were led to war by the choir, singing praises to God and declaring who He is! So, one of my offensive pieces of armor; part of my sword, is singing praises to God. Somehow it always makes my Giants look smaller! I guess I have learned to use a “singshock!”
It not letting life’s circumstances dictate our response!