Armies of Goliaths

We all know the story of David and Goliath; the ultimate tale of an underdog's success. The shepherd boy's triumph against the giant-sized warrior has even permeated the most secular corners of our culture.

Zero to hero.

One could even draw comparisons to the American dream.

But David wasn't pining away for his big break. His didn't put his nose to the grindstone to make a mark on the world. David didn't step up to the plate hoping to hit a homerun. In fact, I think he would've been just as happy making ends-meet herding sheep.

For forty days the Philistine and Israelite armies were at a standstill. Both set up camp on mountaintops, a valley between the two served as the battleground... that is, it would have, if the Israelites ever made a move. In their defense, the first army to enter the battlefield would have been at a serious disadvantage, losing altitude to their enemies. Not to mention, the Philistines had Goliath on their side.

Everyday, Goliath would step down into the valley, alone with his shield barrer, and challenge the Israelites. If any one soldier could kill him in combat, the Philistines would pull back, leaving Israel in peace. But thats not all the behemoth-of-a-man had to say. Goliath implemented a special war strategy used to attack the opposer's morale and judgement. In civilian terms: smack talk.

Lets take a moment and see the world through the Israelites' eyes. Look familiar? For me, its strikingly similar to circumstances I find myself in daily. Theres always something seemingly undefeatable thats obstructing the path God is pointing me down. And like the Israelites, I tend to freeze in fear. Negative thoughts, self-doubt, and outside discouragements start getting to me. Goliath's taunts begin echoing through my mind...

Being a true lover of God, David couldn't standby knowing the blaspheme coming out of Goliath's mouth. Not only did Goliath mock and defy God's army, he was doing so in the very land God declared as His' peoples'.

This week at The Branches, Paster Pink put an emphasis on a single verse that really struck a chord in me, "... David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:28

David didn't pray Goliath would just go away, or that he might somehow be able to avoid the battle. David ran to the battle line; David ran towards something I run away from. David knew, full heartedly, God was with him. His faith was strong. But David's bravery wasn't just an act of faith; it was a testimony of God's glory.

"Then David said to the Philistine, “... I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts... This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand... that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." 1 Samuel 17:45-46

Is it possible for us, today, to have the same faith and determination David had the day he defeated Goliath? Is it possible that our doubts and fears are the battle tactics of our enemy? Can we hear these things as blaspheme and feel a righteous anger instead of discouragement? Can we prove to all nations God is alive? 

Goliath stands before us. Armies of Goliaths. But God stands behind us, and no weapon forged against Him shall remain (Isaiah 54:17). He gave us a spirit of power, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), so lets run to the battle line and make His victory known!

See you on the other side?