Never Alone

Big Idea of the Message: This story should be called “God versus Goliath.”

Desperation

Have you ever felt desperate to accomplish something because not accomplishing this something could have drastic consequences;

How are you approaching this desperation - with fear, anxiety, depression, or maybe avoidance (because we know avoidance will make everything better);

As we jump into this narrative we find the Army of Israel in a desperate situation which would led to destruction;

What was the situation - the Philistine Army was primed to take over the entire region and the Valley of Elah was the next step to this control.

Desperation to Fear

The perceived size of your desperation can spark a fear that is paralyzing;

Here we have the Army of the Living God v.10 “…dismayed and greatly afraid.”

Have you ever noticed what is missing from the first 25 verses of this narrative - God;

Why, because they focused more on the challenge - which was massive - and not their deliverer Who is even greater;

Now there are people that say the description of Goliath was over exaggerated, however let’s look at this interesting information;

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 17

Recent archaeological finds at Tel es-Safi, the site of ancient Gath, confirm that the name Goliath was used among the Philistines around this period. Two other early manuscripts (LXX, DSS) state that Goliath was “six feet, nine inches tall.” However, the description of Goliath’s combat gear appears to support the larger height of nine feet, nine inches tall. At either height, Goliath would have towered over the much smaller Israelites.

When you are more concerned with your desperation (a state in which all hope is lost or absent) you will loose site of your safety (the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions);

What is your desperation to fear right at this moment, is it causing you to loose focus on the Living God?

Trust Overcomes

As David appears in this narrative notice what changes - focus;

David’s focus was on the Living God, he pointed to the Living God, and he trusted in the Living God;

David was not concerned with size he was concerned with promise and his concern with promise led to a trust in the Living God;

This story isn’t about “overcoming your giants”—it’s a demonstration of how God fights for us. There is indeed a God in this earth, and he is the one who gives us victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Ministry Pass Retold: Sunday School stories you thought you knew series

1 Corinthians 15:57

The New King James Version Chapter 15

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who are you trusting for a victory in your desperation, your fear, your anxiety, your depression are you trusting your size and ability or the Living God’s

The New King James Version Chapter 17

47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

Now I know this is easier said then done but what if you took one more step towards this trust how would your desperation potentially change?

Application Point: When you face a challenge, do you think you are facing it alone, or do you realize God is with you?