Not Disqualified

And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” (I Samuel 17:33, NKJV)

The Philistine giant Goliath made an imposing sight. His height (over nine feet), his armor (125 pounds), his spear as large as a weaver’s beam, and his defiant roar caused an entire army to cower on their side of the mountain. How could one man, even though he was a huge man, cause an entire army to tremble? Had we been there, I’m sure none of us would have wanted to go one-on-one with him either.

But David was willing. Perhaps even eager! The cause was worth the fight.

How did the two combatants compare?

Goliath was bigger—much bigger. He was also older and meaner. He had been a man of war for several years, so he was an experienced fighter. He had a reputation that brought fear.

David was the youngest of his family, a teenager, and a shepherd boy. He owned no armor and had no military training. Yet he was fearless and did not cower at the giant’s roar.

• His youth did not disqualify David.
• His lack of military experience did not disqualify David.
• His lack of armor and battle weaponry did not disqualify David.
• His brothers’ ridicule and doubt did not disqualify David.

David was not brash; he was confident. That confidence was built upon his faith in Almighty God and his belief that upholding his God and his nation was a worthy cause. He knew that if God had protected him as he faced a lion and a bear, He would do the same with this giant. Why should David fear this Philistine who had the audacity to defy his God? (Perhaps we should ask this same question when we face our own giants.)

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (II Corinthians 10:4, NKJV)

Even though David was a mere youth, he had the wisdom to not enter battle with unproven armor (verse 39). Although Saul tried to outfit him in his own gear, David refused. “I have not proved them.” All he took with him was his slingshot and five stones—a weapon he was familiar with and had proved. (A word of caution: Be careful whose advice you take. It may weigh you down with the wrong weapon.)

Goliath was incensed that this puny youth would even think of wanting to fight him. But David was just as incensed that Goliath would insult his God. He did not falter or doubt. Refusing to wait for the giant to reach him, he ran toward the giant. David was ready for battle.

“So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.” (I Samuel 17:48, NKJV)

It only took one small stone in the hand of a faith-filled youth to slay a giant and cause an entire army to flee in fear.

What battles are you facing today? Do you hear the ridicule of others trying to discourage you? Do those voices say you’re too young, too old, too inexperienced, or too ill-equipped to win this battle? Don’t believe them. David’s faith was strong because he had seen God at work in other situations. He knew the cause was worth fighting for. God will work in your behalf as well.

Be alert, but do not be afraid when you face a battle. The lion no doubt roared as it tried to attack David’s sheep. Goliath roared as he challenged the army of the living God. Satan will roar in an effort to paralyze us with fear. Do not listen to the roar. God has already demonstrated His faithfulness in other situations. The battle is God’s.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith. . . .” (I Peter 5:8-9, NKJV)

Oh, Lord, like David facing Goliath, I know that You are with me. You have proved Yourself faithful time after time, and You will not fail me this time.