READING: 1 Samuel 17-18, Luke 19:11-48
Many of us who’ve been believers for any length of time know the story of David and Goliath. Even many non-believers use its imagery to describe any situation where the underdog defeats a more powerful enemy. And, in fact, that’s one of the primary messages of this story: God uses the weak to defeat the strong.
Note these texts:
- “ . . . and David was the youngest” (1 Sam 17:14)—a phrase suggesting David would be the least likely to take the lead in that culture.
- “But Saul replied, ‘You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.’” (1 Sam 17:33)—apart from God’s leading in David’s life, Saul was exactly right.
- “Instead [of wearing Saul’s armor], he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pouch, in his shepherd’s bag.” (1 Sam 17:40)—the weaponry David chose was hardly the wiser choice in the world’s eyes when facing a giant.
- “When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a youth” (1 Sam 17:42)—how could a boy take on a giant?
- “David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. David overpowered the Philistine and killed him without having a sword.” (1 Sam 17:50)—he had all he needed: God.
What David knew was he was not fighting in his own power; he was fighting in the power of Yahweh. When God’s on your side, you needn’t worry about being weak. God can take care of anything you face.
PRAYER: “Lord, remind me that I must lean fully on You to live in victory.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray a courageous prayer seeking weakness through which God can make Himself known today.
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 20-23, Luke 20:1-26
