Prophesy And Proclaim

I wanted to share a few lessons I learned from 1 Samuel 17:1-25. It is a very popular Bible story. Many lessons have been shared from David’s victory over Goliath. I pray these three points are a blessing to you as you face life’s battles. You are a

Goliath was six cubits tall and a span. He was a giant. His presence alone frightened Saul and his men. Yet, the Bible says he had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels, on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield-bearer went ahead of him. We see that Goliath was weighted down with armor. Based on his confidence, you wouldnt think he would need so much protection. Lesson #1 People who are arrogant are usually weighted down with insecurity. Remember, people who are hurting may cover up with heavy armor to prevent them from showing their vulnerabilities. Anyone who puts you down is more afraid of you than you should be of them. A winner knows who they are and does not carry the burden of insecurity.

When Saul and the armies of Israel heard Goliath’s threat, they were afraid. They were very afraid of losing the battle with Goliath. If Saul and his army lost the battle, they would serve Goliath and the Philistines. If they won the battle, Goliath would serve them. They knew it would be beneficial to win the battle, but they were dismayed about the consequences of losing this battle with Goliath.

When David came down with the men, he did not ask about the consequences of the loss. He focused on what would be given to the man who defeated Goliath. In verse six, David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Lesson #2 Don’t be afraid of the call to battle or the threats of the enemy. Focus on the promises of victory God has given to you. Winners expect to win! 

When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” Lesson #3 Do not be swayed by those who have determined that you are a spectator and not a participator. People may wonder why you are there and question your arrival. Remember, it may be that God brought you on the scene to bring the faith for the victory they need! Winners are not swayed by the opinions of others. Instead, they focus on their purpose. Winners will not be sidelined. 

David was faithful over the few sheep in his care. That was his current position. It would not be his final occupation. God was about to make him a ruler over many things. Do not let people belittle your area of influence. David was not intimidated by the words of Goliath. Even the words of His own brother did not discourage him. David knew that He had an anointing for victory. He was not concerned about who Goliath pronounced himself to be. David knew who his God was and who he was in Him. When the spirit of the arrogance of the enemy tries to back you into a corner, declare who your God is! He will give you the strategy to defeat every enemy you encounter. Amen.