How can we apply David's courage in facing our own "Goliaths"? The Verse: 1 Samuel 17:45–47 “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head… And all this assembly will know that the LORD does not save with sword or spear; for the battle belongs to the LORD, and He will give all of you into our hands.’” Context Snapshot • A teenage shepherd confronts a seasoned warrior. • Israel’s army fears; David’s confidence flows from prior deliverances (vv. 34-37). • David’s aim: defend God’s honor, not build his own reputation. Spotlight on David’s Courage • God-centered: David speaks of “the LORD of Hosts,” not his sling skills. • Covenant confidence: he sees Goliath as an “uncircumcised Philistine” (v. 36)—outside God’s promise. • Past faithfulness fuels present faith: lion and bear memories turn into courage currency. • Action, not bravado: David runs toward the giant (v. 48), embodying faith in motion. Translating David’s Victory to Our Own “Goliaths” • Personal Giants: persistent sin, addictions, shame, debt, illness, fear of people, broken relationships. • Cultural Giants: anti-biblical ideologies, hostility toward faith, moral confusion. • Spiritual Giants: demonic oppression, doubt, discouragement. Five Stones of Courage for Today 1. Stone of Identity – Remember whose you are. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). 2. Stone of Memory – Rehearse past rescues. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). 3. Stone of Word Saturation – Speak truth aloud. “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4). Goliaths collapse under God’s spoken Word. 4. Stone of Spirit Empowerment – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Titus 1:7). 5. Stone of Forward Motion – Faith steps forward. “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Practical Steps to Sling Your Stone • Identify the giant by name; bring it into the light of truth. • Declare God’s character and promises over the situation (Romans 8:31, Psalm 27:1). • Recall specific moments God delivered you before. • Arm yourself daily with Scripture—memorize, meditate, speak. • Move toward the challenge in obedience: make the phone call, set boundaries, confess the sin, seek counsel. • Expect God’s glory, not your ego, to be displayed through the outcome. Encouraging Passages to Memorize When Facing Giants • Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Psalm 56:3–4—“When I am afraid, I will trust in You… what can man do to me?” • Hebrews 11:33–34—By faith they “conquered kingdoms… became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” • Romans 15:13—“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe…” |
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