By Family Friday Teacher, Sarah Evans, Life of King David
David and Goliath: 1 Samuel: 17
In the beginning of this chapter, we can see that both the Israelite and the Philistine armies are standing on a different mountain facing each other. It is easier for the two armies to prepare for battle when positioned high up on a mountain because there is less chance of an unexpected attack from the enemy. And so as they both take up their position on the mountaintop, in readiness for the upcoming battle down in the valley, there is a time of strategizing and preparation that needs to takes place (v3).
The Israelites (God’s chosen people) are now confronted by a ‘Goliath’ problem. They are all afraid of a mighty Philistine giant who is provoking them into battle. The Israelites choose to place their trust in ‘the flesh’ instead of in God, and focus only on what their physical eyes can see. They are unable to see the problem from God’s viewpoint and so they begin to panic! They admit defeat before the battle has even begun.
That sounds a lot like us, doesn’t it? At times, we forget how powerful our God is. And so, we must ask ourselves the following questions: what do we do when we are confronted with a Goliath problem? Do we respond in fear like the majority of the Israelites? Or do we respond in faith like the Israelite David?
In contrast, David chooses to place his trust in God. He recognizes that the battle against Goliath is about more than just a physical battle…it is a spiritual one (Ephesians 6:12). He steps out with boldness and courage, and sees God take the victory over Goliath!
So how did David respond in faith during this battle?
IN OVERCOMING THE GIANT…..
1. David was NOT motivated by earthly reward; he was motivated by a heavenly reward.
Verse 15: even though Saul offered David several earthly rewards, in the event that he could defeat the giant, David was not motivated by worldly gain. David was motivated by a desire to remove the disgrace that was upon God’s chosen people (due to their cowardly behavior and misplaced trust), to see God’s power manifest, and to see God’s name glorified.
2. David was NOT put off by his brothers’ words of criticism.
Verse 29-30: even in the face of adversity, David was not easily defeated. In fact, David was so compelled to do the ‘right thing’ that the opposition made him even more determined.
3. David acknowledged God’s incredible power and ability, and so stepped out in faith.
David knew that no matter what would happen, no matter the result of the battle with Goliath, he knew that God was ABLE and that God was in FULL control.
4. David drew on past victories (in God) in order to walk in confidence and assurance.
Verse 34-38: David remembered all of the other times where God had ‘come through’ for him in the past. This confidence in God and boldness to trust God (no matter what) silenced the critical voices of Saul and others.
5. David was comfortable in his own skin; in who God made him to be.
Verse 38-39: Even though Saul tried to fit David with his own over-sized armor, David did not feel the need ‘to conform to man’s expectations of him’. David felt comfortable in who he was…and did not feel pressured by others and who they wanted him to be. Even in the face of Goliath’s intimidation and ridicule, David knew that his strength and power would not come from within himself, but instead from the ‘living God’.
6. David stood on and proclaimed out aloud God’s promises, even before he saw the evidence of them.
Verse 45: David proclaims to Goliath “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled”.
Hebrews 11:1 ‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see’
David was victorious over his giant! This was just one battle of many that David would go on to fight and win. And with each win, he would become more and more confident, and yet more and more dependent on God’s strong and mighty arm.
What is your Goliath today? Prepare yourself for battle by spending ample time on the ‘mountain’ of God’s presence: spend time soaking in His presence through prayer and praise. He will help you to see His perspective and will give you the courage to step out in faith. Find your own victory by following David’s example and by walking in his footsteps.
Conclude: Join a family Friday class here.
