1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV) – David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
The battle lines were drawn!
The daily cry of the philistine giant “this day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” rang in the ears of the helpless and overwhelmed Israelite army. Unable to retaliate, they often cowered at the sight of this thundering giant. And into this situation walks in young obedient David, on his father’s mission with goodies for his warrior older brothers. But his was a different perspective and purpose.
Just a sheep-herder, David had barely anything to qualify him to be the one to battle the mighty Philistine foe. And yet, for the life of him, he could not figure why there was so much fear and trembling in the Israelite ranks. Why the doubt and the fear? Wasn’t God, the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel more than able to fight this foe on their behalf? That was David’s experience for sure!
The God of Israel was a true and real experience for David. The Lord had protected and fought for David against the bear and the lion in the past. David has absolute confidence that this same God would come through for him now against this towering giant. David’s motivation for fighting was not for his own glory and fame, nor for Israel’s, but his purpose was that God would be glorified.
David’s ammunition was different too. Much as Saul tried his best to clothe David in attire that would match that of Goliath, David would have none of it. He wasn’t comfortable in the oversized metal armour that was offered. His shield and armour was the Lord Himself. And so went David, into battle against this hulk, with a sling, a bag with a few pebbles and an undiluted faith in the Almighty God. And the Bible records David’s resounding victory which remains the outstanding testimony to what God can do with just one young lad who believes in Him!
As we face seemingly impossible situations, the battles sure are real. The impact of the pandemic has caused much fear, doubt, pain and suffering. And yet, the God of David who came through for him against the giant Goliath, is our God today. He will come through for each of us, when we place our confidence in Him.
Let us purpose to step into the new year with simple, unswerving faith in our ever-faithful, sovereign God who continues to fight our battles for us. May our aim be to lift His name and bring Him all the glory!
Lord as I step into the new year, may I battle life’s challenges, with you as my weapon and battle cry, always bringing you all the glory, I pray.