Five Smooth Stones (Part 1 of 2)
[1 Samuel 17] - Courageously facing giant oppositions in life.
There are few biblical stories more familiar than the famous showdown between the young shepherd boy David and the mighty warrior Goliath.
Many modern day movies/books have used this scenario of an unassuming underdog facing giant foes and seemingly impossible odds. In some situations in our lives we can each feel like an undeserving underdog at times. We can each feel so small and incapable of defeating our enemies.
Perhaps you may think David was victorious because he was special and chosen of God, or because that’s his story and glory, but not yours.
God didn’t preserve these powerful biblical stories just for something inspiring to read at bedtime. David’s victory is an epitome for your life and the Goliaths you are facing now and will yet face in your future.
Have you ever faced a Goliath in your life?
You’ve probably faced and fought more than one and more than once. There are many types of Goliaths. There are the Goliaths of Anger, Illness, Failure, Disease, Divorce, Addiction, Debt, Depression and Loneliness. These are just to name a few foes in Goliath’s gargantuan family tree ot terror. And each of them have their own rotten relatives waiting to worry, weaken and wear out even the worthiest warriors.
Just as Goliath mocked the Israelite army and David, there may be someone or something that keeps mocking you.
Your past mistakes or missed opportunities are calling you out, reminding you of all the times you’ve lost, and are constantly pointing out all your weaknesses and all of the reasons why you won’t, or can’t win, ever.
Fear not, the same God that directed and delivered David will direct and deliver you.
Though the world is full of giants with swords, spears and javelins, God knows how to help you defeat each and every one.
It can be scary facing any enemy, especially one that seems bigger, stronger and more experienced.
It is especially daunting if you’ve never faced such a foe before. David was even counseled by those who had learned warfare their whole lives not to fight the giant because Goliath had more experience and was a warrior from his youth. Yes, they knew about worldly warfare, but not spiritual warfare. Nevertheless, as God helped David slay his Goliath, He will help you slay yours.
It’s been said that it’s not the size of your problems, but the size of your God that matters.
David knew the size of his God because God had delivered him many times from the lions and bears that threatened his father’s flocks. However, David’s skill with a sling was the not the only attribute that was tried and tested during those trials. The fortitude and faith David would need to face and defeat Goliath was gained the same way that we can also and must obtain it. By facing our foes with courage and faith.
It is often through our greatest trials that our greatest teachings and triumphs come.
Unarmored, but armed with his heart, sling and an unshakeable testimony in the power of God’s deliverance, David faithfully chose to face Goliath. Though he was offered strong armor and a sword, they were untested and uncomfortable. Instead, David went armed with what he knew best, his God and his trusty sling. His previous battles with the lions and bears had prepared him. His confidence and competence had been honed with every hurl.