For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? (1 Sam. 17:26)
It is David who utters today’s scripture. Unlike the rest of the Jews who are quaking in fear before Goliath, the Philistine’s champion, David’s eager to take on this giant. While the Jewish soldiers are looking at how big and powerful and menacing Goliath is, David, the shepherd boy, is looking at and drawing from a God who is even more powerful.
We all have Goliaths—giants—in our life that make us quake, rob our sleep, steal our hope, squash our joy, and tempt us to withdraw.
What do our giants look like? It could be a secret sin or temptation. It could be a former defeat that just keeps on defeating us. It could be a betrayal that makes us doubt our worth or abilities. It could be addiction, or a bully at work, or an issue in the family, or a challenge with our health.
As we consider our own Goliaths, we need to recognize that we have a choice. Like the Jewish soldiers, are we going to look at our giants and give up the battle? Or, are we going to look to our God and rely upon His strength? In our life: Who is bigger and stronger—our Goliaths or our God?
I encourage us to follow David. Say, “Who is this person, or what is this challenge, this situation, this issue, this mess, that stands in the way of what Almighty God can do in and with and through me?”
The Jews were defeated before they even went to battle. Goliath was defeated as soon as David put his trust in God.
Reflection Questions:
- Who or what have been your Goliaths?
- As you have faced your own giants, have you acted more like the frightened soldiers, or more like the faithful shepherd boy?
- Regardless of how you may have once responded to your Goliaths, it’s now time to move forward. What will it take for you to focus on how God’s strength and courage can help you to face any of your battles, foes, or challenges?