One of my favorite Bible stories is David and Goliath. The slaying of the giant Philistine before those that doubted God and David’s ability is a clear example of God’s power. There are numerous lessons to be gained from the encounter of David and Goliath. We do well by responding to God’s will, reflecting on victories and relying on God’s power when we face giants.

The conflict between the two is recorded in Chapter 17 of the book of 1Samuel. David was the youngest of eight having seven older brothers. He tended sheep and spent much of his early years alone with them, living in the shadow of his brothers known for their war exploits. David’s father, Jesse had asked him to take food to his siblings as they were moving into battle against the Philistines.

David’s Battle

When David went to greet his brothers they had faced off against the Philistines. Goliath, a Philistine champion, stepped forward and shouted as he had for some forty days, morning and evening taunting the Israelite armies.

David inquired about the over nine foot tall Goliath. Asking why the armies of God were defied. He learned the king offered a great reward to the man able to kill Goliath. David shared the victories he had experienced over both lion and bear as he tended his father’s sheep. He expressed his confidence as a servant of God to fight Goliath.

King Saul had dressed David in a tunic, coat of armor and helmet to ready him for the battle.  Instead David took his staff, five smooth stones from the stream, placed them in his bag and approached the Philistine.

Additional chiding spewed from Goliath as he looked David over.

David affirmed that he would act in the name of the LORD Almighty, and further that all those gathered would know that the battle was won by the LORD, and not by the sword. Goliath moved closer to attack and David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. David proceeded to strike Goliath in the forehead with one of the stones causing the giant to fall to the ground facedown. He was victorious indeed.

Three Keys From a Giant Slayer

The word of God is profitable for instruction. The recorded incident of David and Goliath is filled with instruction. As we continue to battle with Goliaths, here are three keys to unlock victories in those battles:

1. Responding according to God’s will.
2. Reflecting on God’s past victories.
3. Relying on God’s strength.

Responding includes the actions of our daily lives. When we live in accordance with God’s will we obey His word. His will is revealed to us through our relationship with Him.

Jesus the Messiah, was asked, “What is the great commandment?” Matthew 22:36 reveals His response.  First He noted our relationship with God and then He mentioned that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

We are clearly told by Jesus that our love of God is illustrated by obeying His commands. His commands are written in the Bible. Read the Bible to respond according to God’s will.

David ignored the will of others in favor of God’s will.

Reflecting on past victories of God builds our faith. Focusing on how we were able to allow God to work through us in the past causes His influence in our lives to speak to us more loudly, than those opposing voices and distractions surrounding us.

David looked to His personal relationship with God and the victories God had already shown Him. He had strong faith in God’s ability to manifest Himself in yet another situation. He had developed a deep relationship with God. He put his faith to work.

Relying on God’s strength gives us peace as we face giant challenges, which may appear to be overwhelming. When we acknowledge that the battle is His, we are able to get out of the way and allow others to see that He saves.

David clearly affirmed that God would deliver. He called on God, listened to His guidance and obediently, moved quickly toward the giant. He trusted in the strength of Almighty God to deliver when others had fallen in battle.

We have choices when we face giants in our lives. We can respond, reflect and rely on God’s will and our relationship with Almighty God, to achieve victory!

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”