Many know the story of David and Goliath. This week I spent some time mulling over the story. Oftentimes I like to re-read passages I’m familiar with to see if I can pull new spiritual principles from the text that I may have missed the first time around.

If you have a moment, now would be a good time to refresh on the story before you continue reading because I have a series of questions for you, the same questions I asked myself.

You can find the full encounter in 1 Samuel 17.

Okay, let’s get started with the questions.

1. What current job have you been given, that you aren’t giving your all?

2. Are you too busy, praying for a way out of the job and not looking for spiritual lessons? 

David’s role as a shepherd was important to his victory with Goliath. The Lord strengthened David physically in that position and time, by allowing him to kill a lion and bear when defending his flock [17:36] and gave him power spiritually in previous chapter [16:13]. Both of these aspects aided in his confidence as a future warrior [17:32]. So what if he quit his Shepard role prematurely? What if he didn’t take his position seriously or despised it because it wasn’t as glamorous as he hoped for and didn’t allow for much socialization or not high paying? I believe he would have limited his preparation and transformation for his future. Be reminded that shepherds in biblical times often foreshadowed people God chose to lead. Applying this to 2023, just because those on the outside don’t see your job as significant, maybe you aren’t a manger, or an entrepreneur or making 6 figures, that doesn’t mean your authority won’t be elevated in the future! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24. Imagine what your reward will be.

3. Do you know the value of the gifts that have already been given to you?

Had David not known the value of the skills that he acquired and the God that gifted it to him, he may not have declined Saul’s armor for battle [17:38]. The way the Lord prepares you for battle will look different and may not even make sense to others. David knew that he had victory over other beasts (the lion and bear) with way less physical equipment because the true armor that helped him succeed was the name of the Lord (spiritual armor). When you know your God given talents and abilities, you won’t need to clothe yourself in what the world offers. You can go and be great in the name of God without any additional tools.

4. Is your faith taller than 9ft?

5. Do you run to the battle line?

6. Are you even aware that a battle is taking place?

Often we say “God, I trust you.” But what does that trust look like? For David it looked like boldly speaking in the name of God and calling on Him [17:45] in the face of taunting trouble sizing up to be 9 ft tall [17:4]! David was confident that God would perform a mighty act through him so His name would be glorified. I love verse 48, “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.” Does your faith propel you? Or do you speak faith and then drag your feet in hesitation? Notice that David’s feet matched his words, he ran quickly to meet Goliath because the battle belonged to the Lord!

Now addressing question 6, do you even know that you are in a battle? In David’s scenario it was very obvious a battle was taking place, there were soldiers, battle lines, threats and equipment. However, modern day battles don’t look like this. Battles in 2023, look like anxiety, headaches, illnesses, sleepless nights, stress, chaos, etc. If you don’t take notice that these are the tactics of the enemy, you are already losing! God say our lives should be abundant! You have to know that everyday is a fight, you have to put on the full armor of God to ward off the tricks of the enemy. One of the worst schemes of the enemy is to convince you there is no fight, so you don’t even show up to the battle line. 

7. What intimidates you?

The best answer would be nothing, but I’ll be the first to say and agree that we are all intimidated in multiple areas and points in life. It could be intimidation by people with big titles, circumstances or those who have traits, skills or characteristics you desire. David was the youngest of 8 siblings and way smaller than Goliath. However, be like David! He was so confident in God, knowing that He is a deliverer and a God of righteousness that any timidity was completely dissolved. If you are standing against a crowd of thousands, allow nothing to make you quiver. Understand your position in the family of God, remind God of the victories He has brought about in the past and pray in the name of the Lord. That’s exactly how David proceeded!

I hope this encourages you to be strong, fearless and confident. It’s okay if you aren’t there yet, but know that you can get there! Put a demand on the word and receive the benefits of abiding in Christ. 

See you next week!