What's Your Goliath?

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid (1 Samuel 17:10-11)

Most of you probably know the story of David and Goliath. The giant goaded the Israelite army and challenged them to send someone to fight him. No one volunteered, because they were all terrified at the idea of facing Goliath in battle. 

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:32).

Three of David's brothers fought with the Israelites, and his father sent him with supplies for them. He happened to hear Goliath's threats, and he was appalled that this Philistine dared to ridicule the army of the living God. Other soldiers ran, but David said he would fight him.

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth (1 Samuel 17:33).

Everyone thought he was foolish, and tried to talk him out of it. When they couldn't, Saul gave him armor, but it was too big and weighed him down. In the end, he walked out to stand before the giant with nothing but his slingshot and the favor of God. However, as a shepherd, he had become adept at using the slingshot to protect the sheep, and he had developed a reverence for God.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth (1 Samuel 17:49).

You know the outcome. With one swift shot, the rock embedded into Goliath's forehead, and the giant lay dead at David's feet. David had done what everyone else had been afraid to do. He could face the giant because he knew the Lord was with him.

And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands (1 Samuel 17:47).

What is your goliath? Is it divorce, depression, illness, addiction, obsessions, financial woes, heartbreak, or family problems? How are you handling it? Do you try to ignore it, like Saul did? Do you run from it like many of the Israelite soldiers did? Or do you stand before it, depending on God's power to give you victory?

...be stong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).

________________________________