A Story of Strength: David and Goliath

More Than An Underdog Story

Everybody loves a good underdog story, Facing the Giants, Remember the Titans. These stories captivate us because they do what we so desperately want: a win for the little guy!

When we look at David and Goliath is that what we see? It’s really not fair to say that the story of David and Goliath is an underdog story. Israel was supposed to be the big guys! Remember what ten of the twelve spies said when they went into Canaan? These are giants! They would end up dominating 7 nations of people, but now this Goliath is terrifying the people. What has happened?

The Real Battle: Fear vs. Faith

People were scared. Fear was the issue with the Israelites, not Goliath. Goliath was a big dude, but because of his size, he intimidated the army, including Saul who was supposed to be a head’s height above every Israelite. 1 Samuel 17:11

1 Samuel 17:11 ESV

11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

For 40 days they sat listening to this Goliath shout and blaspheme against God and everyone was too terrified to do anything. There was no faith in God in any of the army. How often do we do the same thing, where we shrink away because we are terrified of the process or outcomes. Maybe you’re like me and hate conflict. I will do my absolute best to avoid conflict if I can, but there comes a point where conflict has to be dealt with. You ever had a problem tooth and was just dreading that visit to the dentist? Are they gonna pull it or do a root canal? Bet your mouth feels a whole lot better afterwards.

Israel could not confront what was right in front of them because of their lack of faith.

David’s Strength Came From God

David knew the Battle Was God’s

While everyone talked about Goliath’s size, David talked about God’s Power. 1 Samuel 17:26

1 Samuel 17:26 ESV

26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

He remembered what God had done before, saving him from lions and bears, and trusted He would do it again. 1 Samuel 17:37

1 Samuel 17:37 ESV

37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

His strength didn’t come from blind optimism but remembering the faithfulness of God and trusting Him for today’s battle.

2. David didn’t rely on Human strength

Saul offered his armor, but David refused because the armor was untested. 1 Samuel 17:38-39

1 Samuel 17:38–39 ESV

38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.

He chose a sling and five stones, not because he was reckless, but because he trusted the strength God had provided him in other areas 1 Samuel 17:40

1 Samuel 17:40 ESV

40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

Victory comes when we trust God’s power, not our own strategies

3. David acted in Faith, Not Fear

When the moment came, David didn’t hesitate, he ran towards the battle 1 Samuel 17:41-48

1 Samuel 17:41–48 ESV

41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.

He trusted that God would deliver Goliath into his hands, and his actions reflected his faith.

Unlike Saul, who hesitated and feared, David moved forward with confidence in God. 1 Samuel 17:49-50

1 Samuel 17:49–50 ESV

49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.

Faith is not just what we believe, it’s what we do in response to who God is.

What About You

We all face battles that are daunting, fear, sin, struggles, doubt.

Like Saul, we can try to fight in our own strength and be paralyzed by fear.

Or be like David, we can recognize the battle is the Lord’s and draw strength from Him

Quit trying to fight your battles with your own strength.