Taking on Goliath

Most of us have heard of the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a soldier in the Philestine army, a man who was anywhere from 6 1/2 feet to 9 1/2 feet tall, depending on the bible source, a 'giant' in those days when the average man stood about 5 foot 2 inches tall. Goliath would taunt King Saul's Army daily, walking over the cliffs, yelling at the troops below. 'Kill me,' he said, 'and the Philestines will serve you.' 'If I kill you, you will serve the Philestines. Is there none among you brave enough?'

David was brave enough. Although too young to join the army, he convinced King Saul to let him try to kill the giant. Saul didn't have much to lose. If it worked, the giant would be gone. If it didn't, he could always say that David 'was just a kid.'

As the story goes, David used a sling and tossed a stone that hit the giant in the middle of the forehead, not bouncing off but denting, boring in and felling the giant. David then finished him off with the giant's own sword. The people adored David thereafter, and he eventually became King, no accident since he was 'preordained' by God to be king, making way for his son Solomon, etc.

Do you have a Goliath in your life, a giant of a problem that won't go away. What can you learn from David's experiences?

First, you need to know the true nature of the battle. David knew what he was facing. It was not just a physical battle but a 'spiritual' one for the giant had demoralized Saul's army with his taunts, demeaning the King and his God.

Next, you have to be prepared for the battle. David had many experiences killing bears and lions, protecting the flocks when he was shepherd of the family. He had gained confidence. He had memories of many victories behind him.

He knew where his strength came from and gave credit to his God, in word and in song, songs that live on to this day.

David was 'chosen.' Saul chose David but, ultimately, God had chosen David. The wrong person can't do the right job. Make sure you're the right person before tackling the goliath that torments you. If you're not, find the right person for the job. There's no shame in asking for help.

Also, David didn't listen to the 'naysayers,' those who thought he was too young, too weak, etc. He knew himself and his abilities and his God. He didn't let others 'get him down' and make him weak when strength was needed.

Lastly, there is no 'goliath' that can't be destroyed if God is with you. Have a great week!