You’ve probably heard the story of David defeating Goliath, but have you applied the lessons from his story to your giant? One of the reasons David was able to prevail against this giant was because he knew he had a covenant with God:
What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
1 Samuel 17:26
Did you know that every Israelite soldier who heard these words could have declared what David did? You can too. You have covenant rights to health, prosperity, joy, peace- everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). You just need to view your circumstances through your covenant with God.
These Israelite soldiers were looking at Goliath and not at God’s promises. The Lord had promised them that no man would be able to stand before them (Deut. 11:25). Goliath was a man. He was a big man but a man nonetheless. But when David voiced his faith in God’s covenant, he was criticized by his brother and others (1 Sam. 17:28-30).
David could have tried to justify himself, but even if he had won the argument, he would have lost the battle with this giant. David kept his eyes on the Lord, and it was when he repeated his statements of faith that someone heard what he said and told Saul, Israel’s king.
However, even the king tried to talk David out of what was in his heart. He pointed out David’s inexperience and size compared to Goliath’s. What will you do when those you respect don’t believe in you? That’s very important to think about. Look at what David said at the end of his reply:
The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:37a
After David listed his victories and experience, the king decided to let him represent Israel and go fight Goliath, which was a miracle in itself! It was quite a risk for him to place the fate of the entire kingdom in the hands of this boy, especially one he didn’t know. But I think Saul recognized the anointing of God upon David. We would do well not to underestimate the anointing either.
But then, before Saul let David go, he tried to put his armor on him (1 Sam. 17:38-39). This is so typical of people today. They will tell you your faith in God isn’t enough to overcome, and then when you stand your ground, they want to give you all their carnal advice on how you should do what God said. But why should David have trusted in Saul’s armor? It hadn’t done anything for Saul. He was just as fearful of Goliath as all the rest. Again, it really says something about this young man that he didn’t just go along with whatever his king wanted. Most people would have given in to the king’s bad advice.
When David appeared before Goliath, the giant started to mock him (1 Sam. 17:42-44). You see, even though you’re armed with the promises of God, the giants in your life will still try to intimidate you. You’ve got to be bold and stand strong in the face of the enemy. Look at what David said:
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
1 Samuel 17:45-47
It was relatively easy for David to say this before the battle had begun. I know a lot of Christians who talk a good game and shout with the best of them when everything is going fine. But when the heat is on, they lose heart and want to quit. That proves their faith really wasn’t in God but in their circumstances. I’m not saying that to be condemning, but we’ve got to hold fast to our profession of faith (Heb. 10:23) and back it up with action. David made his boast in the Lord, but he wasn’t all talk. Let’s look at what he did when Goliath approached him:
David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:48b
David wasn’t afraid! He rushed at this giant. If you really believe the promises of God, you won’t run from a fight - you will run to it. You know how it worked out for David. He defeated the giant and won the day. David’s victory over Goliath catapulted him into his destiny. Likewise, whatever giant you are facing can become the greatest victory in your life as you stand on God’s Word and overcome it.
I encourage you to get my teaching about David. It goes into detail about his victories, his defeats, and his legacy. He’s someone we all can learn from. This month, you can get a free copy of the Lessons from David book, in English, by going to www.awme.net/ lessons (limit one per household). You can order any of the Lessons from David products - the book, the study guide, the CD series, and the DVD series - by going to www.awme.net, calling our Helpline at +44 (0)1922 473300.
Lessons From David
This teaching looks at the life of David, the only person the Lord called "a man after mine own heart," and makes direct applications to our lives today.
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