Facing Giants
Goliath was BIG! 9 ½ feet big! Just his presence alone could make the opposition quiver in their boots! But he wasn’t only big in stature. No, he was a bully too! A Big Bully! Every morning and every night he came out and stood before the Israelites and taunted them. “Hey you little people! If you think you have a man who can beat me, then send him over! I dare you!” And unfortunately, his bullying was working. It is said that the Israelites were filled with fear and fled from the sight of the giant. They were discouraged and thrown off balance. They were not acting like a strong army who had collected numerous victories in their past. And this went on for forty days!!
In walks David, a younger brother to three of the Israelite soldiers. He was only a shepherd boy, but when David hears the insults of the giant, he is bewildered, and maybe even a bit outraged. “Guys, he is only a man no matter how tall and mean he is! We are the army of the living God! How come you are letting him mock you and God?” (On a side note: I think David’s confidence in God in light of the soldiers’ fear made the oldest brother uncomfortable and he accused David of wrong motives. It is uncomfortable when our lack of faith is called out, isn’t it? Especially by someone who is younger and with less life experience. The result can often be to direct the focus to someone else.) But on with this story…
When King Saul hears of David’s offer, he is interested. He must have been desperate to put his hope in a youth with no military experience. Yet, desperate times call for desperate measures! He offers David his best armor and sword. But David chooses to meet Goliath with only his staff and five stones carefully chosen from the stream. Furthermore, David didn’t wait for the giant to come to him–he went to meet Goliath, not camouflaged as a mighty soldier, but dressed as the shepherd boy he was.
True to character, Goliath sees the young David before him and mocks him. But David isn’t intimidated like his brothers were. He has every confidence in God! “God will deliver you into my hands and all will know that God doesn’t need sword and spear to win. The battle is the LORD’s!” And with those words, David swings his stone and conquers the mighty giant. When the Philistines saw that their ferocious Goliath was dead, it was their turn to run because their confidence was not in the living God, but in a mere man.
As I read this story, a few thoughts run through my mind:
David had the courage to face Goliath when none of the others did because He knew who God was and he also knew his personal identity in Christ! While the others were filled with fear because they had their eyes on the giant, David was filled with courage because he had his eyes on God who is able to do so much more than we can ever hope or imagine! He knew that we are more than conquerors through Him! Thus, instead of fleeing from the giant, David moved toward the challenge. He put his hope in the reality of God’s character, power, and grace, not in man’s sword or spear. Also, David didn’t want the glory, he wanted God to be glorified!
I think about the giants I am facing today…
Lord, as I face the giants in my own life, let me hear of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let Your good spirit lead me! For your name’s sake! (Psalm 143). For this is truly what all of life is about, from the highest of highs, to the lowest of valleys. Whether I am facing a giant or celebrating at a king’s table, may everything I do be to honor you!
Speak to me, Lord. Grant me wisdom that I may know when I am to hide myself under the shadow of your wing and when I am to run into battle, knowing you will fight for me! May I keep my eyes on You so that I am filled with courage and hope. And may I be ever mindful of who you are, and who I am in You! You are mighty to save, and I am your beloved child, beneficiary of your love and grace.
