Israel for many years enjoyed the best of the best through the leadership of the prophet Samuel and King Saul, who defeated enemy after enemy as he rampantly enlarged Israel’s territory over the Middle East. But the war with Goliath marked one of the worst moments for King Saul as he retreated and shuddered with fear because of this godless general from Philistine. But what appeared to be the worst of times for Saul, would be an opportunity for the son of Jesse to display his confidence in God before all of Israel.
Young David was instructed to take some food to his brothers who were in the frontline getting ready to battle against the Philistines. When Goliath stepped forward from the ranks of the Philistine army, Saul’s army scattered to the mountains to hide in the rocks and caves. When the young shepherd boy, David, witnessed the situation, his blood boiled on behalf of God. Who was this godless Philistine that the army of God would hide like a scared child? David made up his mind, to fight Goliath, not for his own glory but for the glory of God! David’s brothers opposed what seemed to be a foolish decision! King Saul tried to stop the young boy from making this foolish mistake but to no avail.
Goliath was a seasoned Philistine general; David was a simple shepherd boy from a small town of Bethlehem. Goliath adorned himself with the best armor. He held a powerful spear, 12 feet long with an 18 pound polished brass point gleaming in the sun. And his shield was made specifically for someone of his size and stature. David came with a sling and a few stones. No armor. No spear. No shield. Who would win? The picture is so silly why would one bother to entertain such question? But the result is unexpected! The mighty Goliath fell before the young shepherd boy.
1 Samuel 17:45-47 | 45 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. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
Where does he get such confidence? How could he stand before the shadow of this giant and utter such confident words? God! David’s confidence stemmed from his confidence in the God of Israel, the Maker of the universe. David wanted everyone to know that the battle was not won by shields and spears but by God! God gives victory [Deuteronomy 20:4] and David knew it!
Friends, who stands before you today? What does your Goliath look like? Remember, the victory is the Lord’s! Do not be afraid of “Goliaths” that stand before your God-given destiny. Goliath is an annoyance. A small hurdle. Have confidence in God, who gives you victory.
Goliath was self confident. His confidence was in his body! His confidence came from his experience, spear and shield. But David’s confidence originated from the Lord of the universe! Do not fear. God is your bodyguard!
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”
My friends in Disciple Church, what have you done this week to show the love of Jesus to the world? How has this world been impacted by your work and life this week? Is our city better because we exist? Is your work place better because you are there? You and I are the dwelling place of God! Have confidence in Him! What has God placed in your heart to accomplish lately? Go and do it, knowing that God is with you; He will lead you to victory! To those who follow Jesus, failure is an opportunity to display the glory of God!
Isaiah 41:10 | So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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