1 Samuel 17 tells the story of David as a young man battling a 9 foot 9 inch giant named Goliath and winning! Goliath wore a bronze helmet and a coat of armor that weighed 125 pounds. He was also armed with a bronze javelin and a long spear that had a 15 lb. iron tip. He was intimidating to say the least. For 40 days he ranted on mocking and reproaching Israel.
When the Israelite soldiers saw Goliath, they thought, “He is so big we can never kill him.” When David saw Goliath, he thought, “He is so big that I can’t miss him.”
What did David have that others did not? Why was he able to bring an end to the enemy’s rule?
When everyone saw giants, David saw God. David’s first discussion, although it was about Goliath, was focused on the Lord. David said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he defy the armies of the living God?” (1Sam. 17:26). David showed up discussing God.
A 40-day diet of listening to the enemy’s voice had eroded faith within Israel’s army. David spoke with a fresh voice. He removed fear from people and empowered them in faith and victory. He spoke and acted out of faith. He was able to draw upon the past victories over a lion and bear that God had given him. And, he was confident having come at his father’s command.
In the same way our confidence is not in strategies, techniques or programs. David didn’t enroll in sling-shot school! The power was GOD’s!! David saw God above all else! We need to see that God is sovereign. He is on the throne. Giants shouldn’t occupy our gaze, God should! Fear should signal an opportunity for faith to rise.
Ephesians 6:10-18 in the Message translation says this,
10And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. 14Truth, righteousness, 15peace, 16faith, 17and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. 18In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”