When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth, healthy and handsome. He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with sticks? ” Then he cursed David by his gods. (I Samuel 17:42-43, CSB)
One of the most familiar Bible stories is that of David and Goliath. Most of us learned it as a young child in Sunday school class. Even though we think of it as a children’s story, this simple story holds valuable lessons for our walk with God today.
It was an uneven fight. After all, Goliath was a giant of man, possibly nine feet tall, and considered a champion Philistine warrior. David was a teenage boy, the youngest of eight sons, who kept his father’s sheep. Nothing was imposing about him at all. David wasn’t even in the army. His father had sent him to take food to his older brothers.
Most viewing the two opponents that day would probably have considered the whole thing laughable—except for the fact that their future depended on the outcome of this strange faceoff.
- Goliath was big and intimidating, proud and boastful. His weakness was his pride.
- David was young and unimposing but confident in his God-given abilities. His strength was his faith in God.
Goliath was offended that such a scrawny youth was sent out to fight him—with sticks and rocks! Where was his armor? Where were his sword and spear? Doesn’t he realize who I am and how many I’ve defeated? Can’t he see I have superior weapons? To Goliath, David was nothing more than an annoying fly buzzing around his head that could be swatted away. How could such a nobody challenge him? It was insulting!
Meanwhile, David positioned himself and loaded a stone in his sling. He then took careful aim at the one unprotected spot on Goliath’s forehead. That’s all it took to take down Israel’s boastful enemy—an enemy who underestimated both David and his God.
At some point in life, we will all have giants to face, but do not fear. Satan will try to intimidate you and tell you that you are just “a scrawny kid trying to fight a man’s battle.” Ignore his intimidation and bragging. God has already equipped you for this moment. Like David, boldly declare:
“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts,” (I Samuel 17:45, NKJV)
You have the superior weapon when you go in the name of Jesus.
When fighting your battles, remember two important things.
- The one who makes the most noise will not always win.
- The one who has the best equipment (in man’s opinion) will not always win.
Tune out the noise and use the weapons God has provided. Go forth in the name of Jesus, the most powerful name of all. You are well-equipped and ready to fight your giants.
(Additional scriptures to build your faith: Deuteronomy 20:4, I Samuel 2:9, Romans 8:35-39, Ephesians 6:12, James 4:7.)
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