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David is very busy running between his father's house caring for the flocks and Saul's palace soothing his tormented soul with the harp playing. His brothers join the Israelite army poised to defend against the threat of the Philistines. One of the characteristics of the nation Israel was that they were far too content to live peaceably among their enemies. They didn't attempt to confront generally unless they had a leader who was led by the spirit and emboldened by God to defeat surrounding enemies.
In this case, the battle comes to Israel and the armies are assembled to play defense against a stronger force than themselves. Saul no longer had the advice of Samuel available to him and God's spirit had left him. Saul definitely was facing a losing battle. His men knew it too because as Goliath taunted, the three oldest brothers of David backed away in fear. This did not look good. No human way possible to get out of this battle alive.
David was told by his father to take provisions for his brothers to the front line and return word of their welfare to his father. David being a young boy would not be seen as a threat and would be granted access to the front. David overhears the taunts and is stirred in his heart. How could the men of Israel allow such offense, why would they not stand against such vulgarity? David's brothers attempt to discourage him and even display a bit of disdain at David's arrogance that he would go up before Goliath as Israel's champion.
David displays great faith and courage to confront the enemy who was clearly stronger, more experienced and better equipped than David. David didn't just abandon his skill and reason, but he applied them in faith depending on God to deliver both him and the nation from the threat of the enemy Philistines. David had been prepared for this battle by his prior experience with defending the flocks. Now the army stood in the place of sheep and David would be their shepherd.
David give his purpose for going against Goliath. It isn't to secure their way of life or to win a victory to bolster his sense of self. His purpose is clear in verse 47, "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." God would receive the glory and it would bolster the faith of his own people and would stand as a lesson to those who opposed God and his people. No one would have to wonder about the reality of Gods existence or the power He had to overcome any threat.
When David wins the victory against Goliath, the army is encouraged that God is on their side and they pursue the wnemy with great vigor and defeat them thoroughly.
As I read this story, I see that we have a choice as we face overwhelming circumstances in our own lives. We can choose to be like David and use our thinking, our skill and our faith to confront the enemy head on and win a great victory for God. With our focus on the only one who can save against the trials we face hear and deliver us from our own sin and the sinful state we live in, we can do more than any human effort can accomplish. If God is for us, who can stand against us?
Alternatively, we can be like David's brothers and the rest of the army, living in fear because of the great threat to their security and never turning to God for their help. We Christians belong to God, but often when confronted with a trial, we act as if we are defeated already; knowing our own strength is insufficient. If we only engage in the battles we can win in our own strength, we never are elevated to see God's hand at work. We never can say that the battle is the Lord's because we never give it to Him.
David did encourage the army to step out in faith because of the victory that God gave over Goliath. As a David in this world, we encourage other believers to trust in God even more than they have. But we must not give into the doubts about God's loving care for us.
In our financial lives we live out our faith in God as out provider. Do you have an overwhelming debt or expenses way beyond your ability to overcome? Turn to God for the battle is the Lord's and He is more than able to supply your needs. Don't turn off your intellect and skill however. God may use that even in giving you deliverance. Our skills have been developed by God through the past trials we have faced. Now is the moment hat God may show the world that He is very real and more than able to overcome any challenge.
If you have in the past been timid in your faith like the Israelite army, take courage from the example of David and move in faith, bringing your trial to the Lord. Pray for his help and then act in the next right thing to do.
This story gives us a reminder of the great God we serve and should strengthen us as we face conflict and trials. I hope you will take the challenge to stand for God in a world that has disdain and even hatred for God. We are his people and we are not forgotten. Our Lord reminds us that He I'll never leave us or forsake us.
May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.
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