DAVID’S COURAGE INSPIRES US AS WE FACE THE GIANTS IN OUR LIVES
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“You make me brave – No fear can hinder now the love that made a way.” – You Make Me Brave – Bethel Music –
God makes us brave. Life’s uncertainties… life’s distresses… life’s challenges are all unsettling. Worrisome times and fearful events can seem to sap every ounce of courage from us. We gain insight when we look at David and how he faces his challenges.
Imagine the scene… The battle lines are drawn in the Valley of Elah… Israelites against Philistines. The Philistine giant Goliath taunts the Israelite army every day for forty days. He demands that one brave man come forward to fight him.
Saul, as king, is the logical opponent… yet he lacks the courage. His faith in God has faltered. Unable to inspire confidence in his men, not a soul steps forward to face this defiant Philistine. All the Israelites are terrified and discouraged.
“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” – 1 Samuel 17:26
David, a young shepherd at the time, is bringing food to his older brothers who are on the front lines in battle. Upon his arrival, he takes in the scene. When David hears Goliath taunting Israel and his God, he volunteers to fight the giant. King Saul objects, saying he is too young. Yet David convinces Saul that he is up to the task.
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37
As a shepherd, young David has killed both lion and bear while defending his sheep. Refusing Saul’s helmet and armor, he steps forward with just his sling and five smooth stones from the stream. Looking up at the towering Goliath, he proclaims to everyone present the source of his bravery.
“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands… for the battle is the Lord’s.” – 1 Samuel 17:45-47
With one stone, David fells Goliath, fulfilling what he has just prophesied for all to hear. God gives him the confidence and the courage to face this giant in his life. David could not have done this alone. The Lord has made him a champion.
David knows well that God, who has been faithful in rescuing him in the past, could be depended upon to deliver him in the future. As we look back upon the countless times that the Lord has rescued us, our faith is strengthened.
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” – Psalm 138:3
We face “giants” in our lives that tower over us and seem overwhelming. Whether trials or troubles, challenges or difficulties, they drain us of our strength… and cause us to forget the One who can help us conquer them. Just like King Saul, our faith falters.
Let us look to young David whose faith rests solely in the one true God. For it is only in God that we are brave, not in ourselves. He is the source of our courage and our strength.
It is in the name of Jesus, Name above all names, that we are champions. We remember His faithfulness… and come to trust that He will help us slay the “giants” in our lives. He will always prove to be our Deliverer.
