If you grew up in the church you learned about the shepherd boy David taking on the Philistine giant Goliath in Sunday School. That is where I first heard the story.
There are some things we can learn from that story and apply to our lives today.
David was the only one brave enough to face Goliath in a winner takes all fight between the army of Israel and the army of the Philistines.
When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul tried to outfit David with armor and weapons to give him a fighting chance.
“I cannot go in these,” David said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. 1Samuel 17:39-40
David realized he couldn’t be someone else. He couldn’t become a soldier simply by putting on armor and strapping a sword to his belt. So he took them off and took his slingshot with him into battle.
Lesson 1: Be yourself.
You can’t be anyone else. When you try to copy someone for any reason, that never works as well as being yourself. David knew that going into battle with weapons and armor he never used before would only be a disadvantage to him. David stayed true to himself and so should you.
Lesson 2: Be prepared.
Notice what David does after he gets rid of the armor. He goes and retrieves 5 stones from the stream to use in his slingshot. He didn’t take just one! He is prepared for what is to come. It is always better to over prepared than under prepared. When facing any situation, it is good to plan for contingencies.
David then enters the battle field and Goliath thinks this a big joke. The army of Israel sends the smallest guy to fight the Philistine’s biggest guy?
Goliath taunts David and tries intimidate him. What was David’s response?
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:46–47
David doesn’t respond with threats and name calling!
Lesson 3: Be Faithful.
In any interaction, good or bad, respond in faith. David did. He told Goliath and both armies that are watching this unfold that this battle is not between two men. This battle belongs to God.
Do we trust God with our struggles?
Lesson 4: Be Connected. (We are never alone.)
David knew this even if everyone else (including the King of Israel) didn’t! Even in our hardest moments and struggles God is with us and our battles are also God’s battles.
If you know the story, David defeats Goliath. Let me ask you, do you know how David achieved victory?
The answer is clear: David was himself, David was prepared and David was faithful!
All of those things are available to us today!
God bless,
Pr. Ben