The story of David and Goliath is one of the most inspiring stories in Scripture. Read 1 Samuel 17 and you would will see a script that even Hollywood can't match. It's also one of the most misused and abused passages in all of Scripture. The story of David and Goliath isn't in Scripture so that we can face our giants, but so that we can put our full confidence in God's strength and not ours.
Let's unpack the story.
As He faced off against Goliath, David had all the odds against him. There wasn’t a guy in the Philistine camp—or probably the Israelite camp either—who would have bet on David. But David didn’t need their backing. He needed God—none other.
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 SAMUEL 17:45
His confidence wasn’t found in His own strength, but in the strength of the God who He served. Victory wouldn’t be found in David’s strength or ability to fight. David was no match for Goliath’s strength and experience. David would find his strength in knowing his weakness so he fully trusted God.
Our relationship with Jesus offers us the very same strength in weakness. Listen to how Paul described his relationship with God in 2 Corinthians 12:9. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 God’s grace is always sufficient. As believers we find divine strength in times of weakness, ultimately reminding us that God's grace prevails in our vulnerabilities and God’s strength is seen in our weakness.
How do you live with the strength of the Lord?
Find confidence today in yesterday’s victories. Here’s the problem. We forget what we ought to remember and we remember what we ought to forget. We remember our defeats and we forget the victories. Most of us can recite the failures of our lives in vivid detail, but we’re hard-pressed to name the specific, remarkable victories God has pulled off in our past. The God who prepared David has been preparing you throughout your life also.
Be faithful today so you are prepared for tomorrow. Look how David did it. The anointed shepherd boy took care of his responsibilities. He returned to caring for his father’s sheep and caring for His brothers. Then, when it was time for battle, he was ready. What should you do when God has called you but you don’t know what to do next? I certainly can’t take the Spirit’s job, but here’s a good principle: Keep studying God’s Word and listening to His voice; but while you’re listening, take care of the responsibilities He has given you.
Focus on God’s strength over your weakness. We tend to measure our obstacles against our own strengths. We often feel overwhelmed and defeated before the battle begins. Instead, measure your weakness against God’s power. Find your strength in realizing you are trusting the almighty God of the universe! The beautiful thing about this story is that it’s a perfect example of how God operates. He magnifies His name when we are weak.
Let's unpack the story.
As He faced off against Goliath, David had all the odds against him. There wasn’t a guy in the Philistine camp—or probably the Israelite camp either—who would have bet on David. But David didn’t need their backing. He needed God—none other.
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 SAMUEL 17:45
His confidence wasn’t found in His own strength, but in the strength of the God who He served. Victory wouldn’t be found in David’s strength or ability to fight. David was no match for Goliath’s strength and experience. David would find his strength in knowing his weakness so he fully trusted God.
Our relationship with Jesus offers us the very same strength in weakness. Listen to how Paul described his relationship with God in 2 Corinthians 12:9. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 God’s grace is always sufficient. As believers we find divine strength in times of weakness, ultimately reminding us that God's grace prevails in our vulnerabilities and God’s strength is seen in our weakness.
How do you live with the strength of the Lord?
Find confidence today in yesterday’s victories. Here’s the problem. We forget what we ought to remember and we remember what we ought to forget. We remember our defeats and we forget the victories. Most of us can recite the failures of our lives in vivid detail, but we’re hard-pressed to name the specific, remarkable victories God has pulled off in our past. The God who prepared David has been preparing you throughout your life also.
Be faithful today so you are prepared for tomorrow. Look how David did it. The anointed shepherd boy took care of his responsibilities. He returned to caring for his father’s sheep and caring for His brothers. Then, when it was time for battle, he was ready. What should you do when God has called you but you don’t know what to do next? I certainly can’t take the Spirit’s job, but here’s a good principle: Keep studying God’s Word and listening to His voice; but while you’re listening, take care of the responsibilities He has given you.
Focus on God’s strength over your weakness. We tend to measure our obstacles against our own strengths. We often feel overwhelmed and defeated before the battle begins. Instead, measure your weakness against God’s power. Find your strength in realizing you are trusting the almighty God of the universe! The beautiful thing about this story is that it’s a perfect example of how God operates. He magnifies His name when we are weak.