Overcoming Challenges

“David said to Goliath, “You come at 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. This day the Lord will hand you over to me and I’ll strike you down…and all those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give all of you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:45-47


The story of David and Goliath is universally known. It’s one of the great stories of all time. It’s the underdog versus the champion, the bully versus purity and faith, right versus wrong, tall versus short. It proves the truth that with God all things are possible. God’s ability to provide victory in the face of overwhelming odds is a fact! But there is something else in this story that needs to be appreciated. As you read this story, note how David sees and hears things that the other characters do not. The soldiers speak of Goliath as unbeatable, David sees him as an animal, like any other animal (lion or bear) he’s killed. Israel’s military leaders are paralyzed with fear, but for David, this is an opportunity to prove to the Philistines that God is alive, powerful and sovereign. David’s words to Goliath are one of the great statements of faith in the Old Testament. He is motivated by his love for and faith in God.


Where do you need God’s strength today? How can you see beyond your circumstances to put your trust in God? How has God provided for you in the past?