How To Be A Giant Killer

Last Wednesday night our class at West Citrus studied a lesson from Matt Hennecke’s workbook on Bible Wars entitled “A Boy…A Stone…A Giant.”

Sunday, we were visiting the Central Church in Ocala and Jody Broyles’ lesson was “How To Kill A Giant.”

See a similar theme here?

So, I figured this was a sign that I either needed to slay a giant, or write about it. I’m going to do both.

Obviously both lessons refer to David slaying the Giant Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It’s a narrative made for childrens’ Bible classes. But filled with great application for adults.

Israel was at war with their nemesis the Philistines. They were each encamped on a mountain top facing each other with the valley of Elan separating them. Each day, every morning and evening, the Philistine warrior, Goliath, would issue a winner take all challenge to fight. “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together,” bellowed this behemoth of a man.

Goliath was 9′ 9.” He was big. Strong. Agile. And a national champion. No Israelite soldier would accept his challenge. In fact, the text says “they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”

This standoff continued for 40 days until the shepherd boy David came with supplies for his older brothers. Though a youth, he was already destined to become Israel’s next King. Soon, David, to the surprise of his brothers and King Saul, accepted the challenge. And as the saying goes, you know the rest of the story. (You can now sing or hum “Just a little boy David, just a babbling brook…”)

There are some obvious lessons for all of us today.

#1 Fear will paralyze you and keep you from acting.

Sure, Goliath was a problem. But Israel did nothing. For 40 days they cowered in fear. No General supplied a solution. No soldier stepped forward. And King Saul failed as a leader.

Too often we fail to do what we know we ought to do, because we’re afraid of failure. Afraid of what others’ think. Afraid of the opposition. Some folks are even afraid of success

#2 Faith Overcomes Fear.

An old Irish proverb says, “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And no one was there.” Or as Jody expressed it, “Fear magnifies the problem. Faith magnifies the solution.”

Fear runs away from the problem. Faith runs to solve the problem. Fear doubts God’s promises. Faith believes in Him who cannot lie. Fear says, “it can’t be done.” Faith says, “We are able to overcome.” Fear relies solely on human resources. Faith looks for Divine help.

David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” ( 1 Sam. 17:36).

What giants are you facing in your life?

• Drug addiction?
• Alcohol abuse?
• Martial strife?
• Chronic illness?
• Sexual temptations?
• Financial setbacks?
• Unhealthy relationships?
• Depressing loneliness?
• Emotional stress?
• Physical limitations?
• Loss of purpose?
• Death?

Your fears will paralyze you from taking steps to confront these challenges. Your faith will overcome all fears and provide peace, comfort, and assurance. The Bible offers this promise.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Eph. 3:20-21).

#3 Tune out the Naysayers

David had detractors. His brothers smirked and ridiculed him. Saul questioned and doubted him. And Goliath taunted and berated him. The text reveals it. And you have to wonder if the army was expecting the worst.

Don’t listen to people who doubt your faith, question your sincerity, or express misgivings about your ability to succeed. Press on. Believe in yourself. Have faith in God. And move forward.

#4 Use what works for you.

Saul tried to equip David with his armor and fighting weapons. It was too heavy, too bulky, too cumbersome. David took what he knew and was comfortable with. His trusty sling shot. And 5 smooth stones.

Remember you are unique with your own special skills, abilities, and talents. As you grow in discipleship, serve in ministry, and reach out in evangelistic efforts use the resources that are best suited to your personality, experience, competence, and qualifications.

#5 Fortify your faith with the realization of the reward.

It shouldn’t be lost on us that David’s interest in fighting Goliath was peaked when he heard about the King’s reward. Whoever killed the Goliath would (1) be “enriched with great riches;” (2) be given the King’s daughter in marriage; (3) have their father’s house tax-exempt for life. Three times this is repeated, as David asked again and again.

As you face life’s giants, there may be obstacles that seem insurmountable and huge challenges where the odds don’t favor you. Don’t despair. Don’t doubt. Don’t abandon hope. Move forward with the assurance of God’s promise of reward. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

You can face life’s giants and be victorious. God delivered David. And God will deliver you.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman