(1 Sam 17:26 CEV) David asked some soldiers standing nearby, "What will a man get for killing this Philistine and stopping him from insulting our people? Who does that worthless Philistine think he is? He's making fun of the army of the living God!"
This morning we continue our on the “The Greatest Stories Ever Told.” No doubt you have heard about this story of overcoming insurmountable odds. I am sure that every young man who was born without the blessing of a “large” stature has imagined himself as David against the Goliaths of life. We saw yesterday how David was anointed by the prophet and we will now see how he operates in that anointing. This story spans the entire chapter so I will not be able to finish it in one day.
The chapter opens with the Philistines having gathered their forces for war against Israel. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with a valley between them. The Philistines had a champion in their camp named Goliath. This man was a beast. He was over nine feet tall, wore a bronze helmet, 125 lbs. of bronze armor, bronze greaves around his legs, and carried a bronze javelin on his back. The head of the spear itself weighed 15 lbs. His shield was so big that he had a shield bearer to carry it for him. This monster of a man stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us. This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." King Saul and all the Israelites were terrified by this man, his stature, and his words.
Now remember that David was the eighth son of Jesse. His three oldest brothers had followed Saul to war and were hearing the claims of this giant for 40 days. Meanwhile, David was doing what he always did – tending sheep. Jesse prepared some food for his three oldest sons and their comrades and asked David to take the food to them and to see how they were doing. David loaded up and set out early in the morning. He reached the camp as the army was going out to their battle positions. David left his things with the supply sergeant and ran to the battle lines to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, Goliath stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual insolence and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. They began to say between them, "Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel." David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" They repeated to him what Saul would do for that man that kills him. David’s oldest brother got very upset when he heard him speaking with the men, called him conceited, and told him to go back to tending sheep.
So what does this mean to you ? A few things:
1. Look at things spiritually: David was not upset because Goliath was disgracing Saul, he was upset because Goliath was disgracing God and His people (Israel). David looked at the situation through Godly eyes and so should we. Don’t allow your flesh to rise up without being led of the Spirit.
2. Do not operate in fear: Fear moves satan, faith moves God. Fear will stifle faith. Everyone else was afraid, but David had confidence and peace. No matter how big, nor how bad your situation may look this morning, do not allow fear to overtake you. Stand in the Word and walk in confidence against your Goliath.
3. Expect ‘haters’: I use this modern term ‘haters’ for those people who will dislike you because God’s hand is upon you. David’s brother got upset and called him conceited. Why? Because the oil was not poured on his head in the previous chapter. There will always be people that will ‘hate’ you because of God’s hand on your life. Don’t allow them to discourage you.
Lord God. I walk in the Spirit and I do not fulfill the lust of the flesh. I know that You have not given me the spirit of fear and I therefore choose not to operate in it. I operate in love, power, and a sound mind. I do not allow the comments of others to derail me from my destiny. I walk in peace, power, protection, and prosperity this day and everyday. No evil shall befall me and I am able to conquer every giant. I walk in abundant blessings and Your favor. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today's Word! Apply it and Prosper! Have a very Blessed day all!!
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