David and Goliath

“… the Philistine (Goliath), with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!'” 1 Samuel 17:41-44 (NIV)

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.” 1 Samuel 17: 48,49 (NIV)

“Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.” – Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants. The usual perception is David being inferior to Goliath on the battlefield. Goliath was a proven warrior. He was the fiercest among the Philistines and intimidated the entire Hebrew army – all were afraid of him – except David.

Goliath goads David to “Come here and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals.” Had David tried to fight Goliath in hand-to-hand combat he would have been defeated. Even with his great strength, Goliath was bearing heavy armor, could only move slowly, and needed a shield bearer to assist him. He assumed a different kind of fight at close range. David, on the other hand, had a different strategy. He moved swiftly; found his spot; took his position; used his expert abilities with a sling; and hurled his stone right into Goliath’s forehead.

Believers have a weapon and resource that is more powerful than any Goliath they might face. Jesus is our strength. He is with us in the fire. He has proven to us many times that He can lead us to resolutions with adversaries and difficult circumstances in ways we never imagined.

It is our job to stay close to Him with consistent prayer and reading of His Word so He can communicate His will for us and speak into our lives.

What Jesus offers through His love is a life abundant with goodness. He gives us courage to face our biggest problems and overcome our greatest fears. He is passionate for His people and wants them to be blessed. Jesus was there for David and He is here for us.