How can we apply David's courage in facing our own "giants"? Setting the Scene David steps onto the Valley of Elah armed with a sling, five smooth stones, and unwavering confidence in the LORD. His bold declaration rings out: “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). David’s courage was not self-generated; it was anchored entirely in who God is and what God had already done. That same courage is available for every believer who faces towering “giants” today. Key Verse to Hold Onto “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Courage Rooted in God’s Reputation • David’s confidence flowed from the character and covenant of God, not from human strength. • Giant problems shrink when measured against an infinite, all-powerful God (Psalm 27:1; Jeremiah 32:27). • Our first step in courageous living is rehearsing who God is—Creator, Redeemer, Warrior—rather than rehearsing our fears. Courage Fueled by Remembered Victories • David recalled the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Past deliverances are faith-builders for future battles. • Keep a record (mental or written) of God’s previous interventions in your life. Testimony stirs courage (Revelation 12:11). Courage Demonstrated Through Obedience • David ran toward Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48). Courage is not the absence of fear but acting in obedience despite fear. • Obey promptly—delayed obedience breeds doubt. • Everyday obedience—honesty, purity, forgiveness—fortifies us for larger confrontations (Luke 16:10). Courage Empowered by the Spirit • “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). • New-covenant believers have the indwelling Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:7). Lean on His power, not mere willpower. Courage Armed with the Right Weapons • David chose stones; believers wield spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). • Word of God—Declare truth against lies. • Prayer—Invite divine intervention. • Faith—Extinguish flaming arrows of doubt. Courage That Points Others to God • David’s aim: “that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves” (1 Samuel 17:47). • When victories come, deflect praise upward; testimony multiplies courage in others (Psalm 34:2-3). Practical Steps for Facing Your Giants Today • Identify the giant—name the fear, habit, or opposition clearly. • Magnify the LORD—worship shifts perspective (Psalm 34:3). • Recall past deliverances—review personal and biblical examples. • Speak truth—declare Scripture aloud (Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:31). • Act in obedience—take the next faithful step, however small. • Rely on the Spirit—pray for boldness (Acts 4:29-31). • Celebrate victories—publicly credit God, strengthening future faith. By rooting our confidence in God’s unchanging character, remembering His past faithfulness, and stepping forward in Spirit-empowered obedience, we can face modern-day giants with the same unshakable courage David displayed on the battlefield. |
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