(1 Sam 17:50 NIV) So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
This morning we continue our on the “The Greatest Stories Ever Told” and continue with the story of David and Goliath. David was scolded by his brother for even showing interest in Goliath, but he did not let that stop him. He ignored his brother’s comments and had the courage to stand before the King. He told King Saul that no one should lose heart on account of the Philistine and that he would go and fight him. Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth."
Once again, he ignored the discouragement.
David explained to the King how he killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands while tending to and protecting his sheep. He declared that he would kill this uncircumcised Philistine in like manner, because he has defied the armies of the living God. He said that the same God who delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear, would deliver him from Goliath. King Saul was convinced and said, "Go, and the Lord be with you."
Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic and put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David put on all the gear and could barely move around. He told Saul, “I cannot go in these, because I am not used to them." He took them all off. He decided to go with what he knew. He picked up five smooth stones from a nearby stream, put his shepherd’s staff in his hand, and grabbed his sling. Once equipped with what he knew, he approached the giant. The Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, started towards David and was ready to fight, after having taunted them for forty days. He was angry when he realized that David was a boy and cursed David by his gods, but he did not know that David was anointed by the only one true God.
Goliath said, "Come here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" David replied, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… I'll strike you down and cut off your head… the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel… the battle is the Lord’s." Goliath was furious and charged David. David ran quickly towards him as well. David reached into his bag, pulled out a stone, launched it with the sling, and knocked the giant square in the head. The stone sank into his forehead and he fell facedown on the ground. David then stood over him, took his sword, and cut his head off.
So what does this mean to you ? A lot, but let’s look at a few things:
1. Discouragement does not derail destiny – David had to ignore the discouragement of his brother and King Saul. You will have to get beyond the comments of others, if you want to be used of God for greatness.
2. Look at things spiritually – David wanted to fight Goliath, but only because He defied the armies of the living God. This was a spiritual fight for David. His motives were pure and so should ours be.
3. Establish some altars in your life – reminders of what God did in the past. David reminded himself of how God used him to kill the lion and the bear with his bare hands and that was the encouragement he needed for this fight. What has God already done for you?
4. Don’t allow your past victories to keep you from future successes – Although David was reminded of his past, he did not limit himself to past methods. He killed the lion and the bear with his hands, but used a sling shot and a stone for the giant. Thank God for your past victories, but always be open to new strategies from God!
5. With God, all things are possible – The entire army of Israel was afraid of this man. King Saul was terrified. But a little shepherd boy, anointed by God, did the seemingly impossible. What giant is torturing you this morning? If God gave you a stone, would you be ready to fight?
Lord God. I do not allow discouragement to stifle my destiny. I walk by faith and not by sight. I look at life through the lens of the Holy Spirit and am led of Him in all things. I rejoice in my past victories and thank You in advance for future successes. My heart is open to new techniques and I receive them by faith. I can do all things through Christ. With You God, all things are possible. I face with day with supernatural confidence. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today's Word! Apply it and Prosper! Have a blessed day!!
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