When Goliath appeared on the battle line, the Israelite warriors were stricken with terror. They lacked faith and could only focus on Goliath’s blood-curdling strength and his defiant boasting. Yet David felt no fear of the man. He feared God. He had faith. He felt moral outrage over Goliath’s arrogant defiance which he felt was an insult to the Lord God. He was angry that this idol-worshipping pagan was getting away with such appalling blasphemy.
David did not need armor or sophisticated weapons to fight the giant. He was well-equipped with faith. He knew that because the Lord was with Him he did not need the weapons of the world. Goliath’s size and strength were no match for the power of God. Those looking on could only see Goliath’s might and David’s weakness. Imagine how the Israelite warriors must have felt as they watched the shepherd boy go out to what they though was certain death. Then imagine how they felt as their faith received a tremendous jolt as Goliath fell. They were overcome with the reality that the Lord God was with them and they could not fail for He was leading them in holy war on His enemies.
There giants in everyone’s life. Sometimes they take the form of people who taunt or abuse others who they perceive to be weak, or those they seek to exploit and use. Other times they take the form of sickness, family emotional upheaval or financial setbacks. If we look at the problem in the light of our own puny resources and strength, we will surely be overcome. Yet if we, like David, look at them in the light of the Lord’s strength our faith will carry us through.
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