Today’s reading is taken from 1 Samuel 17:29-58. Here we
have the famous story of the events leading up to David’s victory over Goliath.
Unshakable faith
As David was arriving at the Israelite’s army camp, he
heard the taunt of Goliath for the Israelite army to fight him. David asked
“For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of
the living God?” (V.26). When Eliab, David’s eldest brother, heard what David
said, Eliab was angry with David. Instead of encouraging David, Eliab said “Why
have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the
wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have
come down to see the battle?” (v.28). But David was not discouraged; he
repeated his challenge for Goliath to King Saul and said he will fight Goliath.
King Saul replied “you are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with
him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth”
(v.33).
How many of us would feel discouraged when people put us
down? David’s faith in God remains firm and unshakable despite the discouraging
words from Eliab and King Saul. He trusted God more than he trusted the words
of others. When the soldiers of Israel were afraid or giving up, David’s faith
kept him going.
When David was standing infront of Goliath, Goliath taunted
him and said “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (v.43). David boldly
replied that he comes in the name of the God of the armies of Israel and on
this day, God will deliver Goliath into his hands. Goliath is described as a
giant and his body was covered in armour. David had no armour, no sword, all he
had was a slingshot and a few stones. Why was David’s faith unshaken? David had
unshakeable trust because past experience had proven that God was faithful. The
young shepherd recalled how the Lord gave him the victory on two separate
occasions, when a lion and a bear threatened his flock (1
Sam. 17:37).
Reflection
In life, there will be discouragements but we must not let
discouragements defeat us. Where do we go when we are discouraged? Turn to the
promises of God, in Romans 15:4, it says “through the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope”. We are conquerors
because of Jesus’ victory on the cross. Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or danger, or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:35, 37)
We must be remember God’s provision in our life and
continue to read about his faithfulness in the Bible. Keep a journal of his
marvelous works in your life. So, when facing an obstacle or a giant in our
life, you can recall God’s faithfulness. Just like David, we must not give up
hope. Just like David, we must remain focused on the greatness of our God
rather than how difficult the problem is.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we know that all things are possible with
you. Help us to have unshakable faith like David when we are faced with
challenges in our daily lives. Strengthen us when we are discouraged. We pray
for that you will guide us and help us through difficult situations. Help us be
courageous in all that we do so we may glorify your name. Amen.