Courage

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with the 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’”. - 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)

What do you notice about this passage?

Great courage often comes in small packages with the things of God. When reading the story of David and Goliath, it is notable that David is certainly small in physical stature and small in social and familial status. Moreover, David is no doubt ill- equipped for the giant-of-a-battle he was about to face against Goliath. Even King Saul was quick to point out that David was not a physical match for Goliath, when he highlights how David is just a young boy and Goliath has been a battle warriorsince his youth. The King surely agreed David would be defeated.

What an amazing testimony when we see how David proves God’s armor to be the best. David defeats Goliath with a single sling and one small, smooth-stone. Not only that, but we then observe how David removes Goliath’s own sword from him and ultimately removes the giant’s head. David, the young shepherd and servant boy, then carries around Goliath’s head as a token of the Lord’s faithful, unmatched, and victorious power! 

The mighty, power of God is unmatched, so much so that we see how the remaining Philistines were in fear and fled after seeing what David had done through God’s power. Moreover, we see that the men of Israel and of Judah arose, shouted, and then pursued the Philistines, until they were all defeated and their camps were  destroyed. Not only did God victoriously deliver David from Goliath and helped David defeat the giant, but the faith of the Israelites was also immensely fortified by David’s testimony of courage. As a result, the Israelites then felt courageous enough to pursue and defeat the remaining Philistines with God’s power through them. 

Often, when in the face of a battle, we can be blinded by the challenges in front of us. However, our God cannot be matched! What a blessing it is to know that God gives us the strength and ability to defeat the “Goliaths” in our lives. All it takes is a little courage from one to stir up courage in others.

How can you apply these observations in your daily walk with the Lord?

Take a moment this week to make a list of the battles you have faced and how God has led you to ‘victory’ through those battles. This is so that in times when you are overwhelmed, you will have a tangible reference to the evidence that God’s power is never failing!

Speak to the Lord and spend some time in prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for your never failing, faithful-power. Thank You for the countless times You have gotten me through seemingly impossible situations and insurmountable challenges. Thank You for reminding me that I am blessed with the same courage and power You provided David against Goliath. Help me to remember that the battles I may face are not mine, but Yours. I am strong because of You. In moments of my weakness, Your strength is made that much more perfect, therefore, I am ALWAYS strong. Help me to always be courageous in You, so that I might be a great testimony to others and help them to also be courageous in You. May all the Glory be Yours, in Jesus’ name, Amen!