Newsletter from W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club

David and Goliath is quite a familiar Bible story, and my earliest recollection of hearing it dates back to when I was a child. Over the years I have heard countless individuals share their adaptation of this story, however, the emphasis has generally been on the fact that a little shepherd boy used a sling shot and a few stones to kill a giant. That was an astonishing victory that displayed the miraculous hand of God. However, as I read this story recently, I discovered that what occurred before David struck and killed this Philistine was profound and noteworthy.

We've all encountered giant-sized problems/situations in our lives and I believe if we apply the following steps found in 1 Samuel, we to will experience victory. Prior to killing Goliath, David did the following:

David was obedient: David was a shepherd who took pride in his job, however, when his father requested that he take food and drink to his brothers who were in a battle, he responded immediately. When our Heavenly Father gives us instruction, obedience requires responding immediately.

David remembered his past victories: When David offered to fight Goliath, King Saul instantly replied, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are a youth." David answered, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion, and the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Sam. 17:33, 34) Remembering the miracles that God has performed in our lives will cause us to grab hold of faith and hope in the midst of challenges.

David comprehended the power in the Name of God: When Goliath came to David he brought a sword, a spear and a javelin, but the little Shepherd boy David, stated, "I come in the Name of the Lord of Hosts." (1 Sam. 17: 45) David realized that he wasn't going to emerge victoriously in because of his name, or in his strength, but he knew the power that was in the name of God.

David spoke faith-filled words: Saul's entire army was afraid of Goliath, but David not only faced him, he stated these words, "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand and I will strike you and take your head from you. Matthew 21:21 says, "but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." What are you speaking as you face challenging situations? Are you allowing your emotions to dictate what you say, or are you choosing to stand on the Word of God, regardless of what you see?

David ran to the giant: 1 Samuel 17:48 says, "And it was so, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine." He didn't allow fear to cause him to run from Goliath, because he knew that he wasn't alone.

You my sister are not alone as you encounter giant-like situations. Just as our Heavenly Father was with David, He will be with you as well. I encourage you to meditate on the points above, and you to will emerge victoriously as you face your Goliath. Remember, the battle is not your battle, but it's the Lord's. (1Sam. 17:47b)

©2010 Jacques McNeil