Read: I Samuel 17
Reflect: I think you all know the story of David and Goliath. The Philistines and the Israelites were on the verge of destroying each other, when the Philistines sent out their secret weapon, a giant man, with hulk like features and a taunting attitude to boot. He said “This is the day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” (17:10) That was enough to terrify Saul and all those standing around him. This man was over nine feet tall and had armor wrapped around every part of his body, from the top of the head to the bulging legs which held up this army of one. He was impressive and imposing, but not to everyone. While the people saw an undefeatable foe, David saw someone trying to defeat the very will of God. Throwing caution to the wind, it was time to step in and trust God to fulfill His promise to David and to all of the Israelites.
David had already been on the payroll of Saul, but not as a soldier. His job was to play his harp whenever Saul was tormented by an evil spirit (which, by the way, was sent by God!). David also helped his father with his sheep. On this day Dad wanted David to take some food to his brothers who were on the battlefield with Saul. It was during this time that David heard what Goliath had been threating the Israelites with for 40 days straight. David was incensed by the fact “that an uncircumcised Philistine would defy the armies of the living God.” (17:36). And so, the story continues: David volunteered, picked up his slingshot, grabbed 5 smooth stones, slung one at the forehead of Goliath and knocked him dead.
TRUST GOD WITH WHAT LITTLE YOU MUST WORK WITH
This is a great illustration of taking on the giants in your life. Trusting God with what little you must work with (not a superior physique, nor tons of armament or even an army) and then doing the work God has called you to do. The giants in your life might be a boss who you feel has mistreated you, or a habit that seems to control you, or even a disability which you have always allowed to set the rules for your life. These are all conflicts in our lives, but none can stand against the authority or power of God.
JESUS WAS ABLE TO DEFEAT THE WORST ENEMY OF ALL TIME….SIN
Apply: A few days ago, we celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But at the same time, we were celebrating the greatest David and Goliath story of all time. Jesus was in a very vulnerable position. He allowed himself to be taken to the place of the cross by Roman soldiers, thus giving up the protection (armor) that was rightfully his. He allowed a sword to be thrust into his side when he could have called every angel within the universe. And with that act of submission, he was able to defeat the worst enemy of all time……SIN.
Whatever pressure, whatever doubt, whatever fear you are experiencing at this time, remember, Christ has slain the enemy and now it is your responsibility to believe that. The same power that raised Christ from the dead, the same power that defeated the enemy at the cross, is the same power that can allow you to defeat the giants that loom all around you. Paul reminded the Ephesians with these comforting words in 3:20. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”
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