And There Went Out a Champion
Probably one of most people’s favorite accounts in the Old Testament is
that of David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17). Here is one of those events when the underdog overcomes great and insurmountable odds. We like to hear stories like that probably because they give us a sense of strength whereby we too can triumph over our own difficult obstacles. This text is known quite well, so instead of looking at the various details that took place here in the valley of Elah, think for a moment about some of the difficult obstacles David overcame.
One of the first things that come to mind that David overcame was the Philistine giant known as Goliath. Goliath was a problem in fact for the entire Israeli army as they coward in fear of his threatening size and his taunting threats (1 Samuel 17:8-11). David, though, was completely unmoved and undaunted by Goliath. Goliath’s presence should have paralyzed David in fear keeping him from doing God’s will. David, however, had great faith in God. He had a faith that recognized God is greater than any giant and any obstacle.
Another obstacle David overcame was that of his family. Sometimes those closest to us can keep us from doing that which is right. Through disparaging words, they can discourage immobilize us in terms of doing those things which are pleasing to God. In the case of David, though he had the best intentions, he would not go without hearing words of negativity from family. When David boldly spoke against Goliath though, his own brother, Eliab, scornfully and wrongfully rebuked him (1 Samuel 17:28). Did this, though, put a damper in David’s desire to do the will of God? Did it abate his courage and zeal? No not in the least. He was again undaunted by discouragement. The Bible says he just continued on with his message and mission: “And he turned from him [that is his brother Eliab], and spake after the same manner” (1 Sam. 17:30).
Still yet another obstacle David faced was his own inadequacies. Everyone has some area of weakness or some characteristic which some see as not “measuring up.” For David it was his youth and lack of official military experience (1 Samuel 17:33). King Saul trusted military might and not in the power of God (1 Samuel 17:38). Saul, however, would be taught a valuable lesson for David would defeat Goliath not by his own might but by the mighty arm of God. David could face and overcome the obstacle of inadequacies that others saw in him by trusting in God and not in himself (1 Samuel 17:32).
Not only did David’s faith help him to defeat a great giant, but it also helped him to overcome other barriers and obstacles. What obstacles do you face in life? What are those barriers that keep you from fully following God’s will? Whatever they may be, you can like David overcome them by putting your complete trust in the Almighty.
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Devotional, Michael Carter
on January 29th, 2009
