“This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down ... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47b, ESV

 

The story of the young shepherd boy, David, who made the giant Goliath fall face down with just one stone, might be one of the most familiar Bible truths of godly bravery. Without being too harsh, not everyone has the courage to take on a giant, expert fighter all by him/herself. And then there is also the matter of fear that this Philistine instilled in David’s fellow Israelites. What makes David so certain that the Philistine can be beaten? And that he, David, can do this?

 

Firstly, David knows that God takes notice of Goliath’s contemptuous defiance towards Him. Therefore, God Himself, will come and fight for his people. Secondly, David chooses to look at this threatening situation through the eyes and perspective of God. His perspective was stripped of human opinions and conclusions! He focuses on the heart and not on appearances. Thirdly, David acknowledges the Lord who literally “deliver[ed] me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear.” (1 Samuel 17:37) Why would the Lord not save him from the Philistine?

 

And above all, he knows that God has the inside information of man’s heart. Whether it be the good or the bad. (1 Samuel 16:7) After all, God is and will always be the great I AM!

 

A question to you: How often do you remind yourself of the wonderful and good things that God has done in your life until now? Do you look for perspective through his eyes? And when you do that, do you also bind your (sometimes shrinking) faith to the Lord’s ability? Can you see yourself tackling your lion, bear, or a small Goliath, with faith in God?

 

David did not set foot on the battlefield in his own strength and power. He called on the highest Name of authority. He lines himself up on the side of “the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:45b)

 

In passing, David adds:” This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down … all the earth may know there is a God in Israel. (1 Samuel 17:46) To top it all off, he rubs salt into Goliath’s wounds – the Lord saves not with sword or spear. “For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Samuel 17:47)

 

To David, the battle had nothing to do with fame. It was all about the glory and honour of God, the Almighty! To him, physical weapons were not the answer to win the fight, but faith in God that comes from within. (Swindoll. Memorable Scenes p51). Dear Friend, have you ever asked yourself what your motivation is for always wanting to walk away from a challenging situation successfully and triumphantly? Is it all about yourself or about glorifying God?

 

Prayer: Almighty Father, may my life be one of faith in your ability. Let my faith be woven into your omnipotence, and my attitude saturated by your love and care. Make me faithful and courageous in your presence and keep my two feet grounded in your love. Amen.