And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us! (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)

Read: 1 Samuel 17, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, John 8:21-30, Psalms 111:1-10, Proverbs 15:11

Relate: I distinctly remember my son and one my daughters pretending to be David and Goliath at the ages of 4 and 2. I knew they had listened to the Veggie Tales version of the story many times riding in the car with my mom, but I laughed so hard when I heard my 2 year old say, “What am I a dog that you come at with me with sticks?” It was apparent that she had really been paying attention to the story.

Everyone loves a good underdog story. We love to see the little guy come out on top. The idea that someone small or insignificant or unknown could accomplish something great gives us hope. We see that we too might be able to succeed at a virtually impossible task. This is why David and Goliath is a favorite Bible story for many.

David was too small to wear the armor of the great King Saul of Israel, but he had the faith to defeat a giant. Although Saul had experience, skill, and equipment, he was afraid to fight the giant because the spirit of God was no longer with him. He saw the situation from the perspective of what is humanly possible. David, on the other hand, saw the situation through the lens of what God could do. David was not afraid because he had confidence in God’s ability to bring him victory.

React:  One of the principles in the story of David and Goliath is that God does not always fight the battles we face with the weapons we would expect. It would be natural to assume God would use a strong and fully equipped soldier, such as Saul, to defeat a giant. However, God used a smaller man without a sword or shield to conquer Goliath. The glory of the battle belonged to the Lord because it was clear he had given David victory.

Often, we find ourselves facing giants. We find ourselves up against situations that we are humanly incapable of overcoming. When we view the situation with our human perspective, we can lose hope. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that when God is part of the equation, the solution changes. We are no longer taking on giants on our own. It is God who brings the victory.

Respond: 

Dear Lord, help me to keep my vision set on you. I want to live in the knowledge of who you are rather than fear of my own weaknesses. Thank you for using me even when I feel broken or insignificant. Let my victories remind others that you rescue your people. Amen.