The Challenge
When the Israelites were attacked by the Philistine hoard,
he was a youth, so when his elder brothers enlisted,David remained to tend the sheep by himself
But when he visited the army with provisions,he found them cowering and not trusting in the Lord.
Discovering the reason for this was one man challenging anyone to fight; he offered to do so himself!!
This champion, named Goliath was head and shoulders taller than the rest.
Strong and powerful,each day he taunted the Israelites, saying the winner of the contest
takes all
Undeterred by all who told him not to do so, including the king Saul;
David persisted refusing Saul's own armour.
He advanced armed only with his sling and stones picked from the stream, ...that is all.
The sight of this youth advancing towards him, at first amused and then angered Goliath.
With threats and curses he yelled at the youth who continued to boldly advance undeterred
Stating that the Almighty God of Israel would deliver into his hands the mighty Goliath
David placed a single stone in his sling he cast it with perfect aim, striking Goliath in the
forehead
He crashed to the ground, rendered
unconcius by the blow.
Seizing the opportunity, David then beheaded him using Goliath's sword.
This victory emboldened the army of the Israelites who routed their foe.
David had clearly demonstrated what is achievable when one trusts in the Lord.
It is unlikely we will be called to engage in mortal combat such as this,but
we are reminded in the Scriptures that we will wrestle against spirits and wicked powers.
Like the Israelites, we may cower and fear at
the prospect of such an experience as this,
or like David , trust in God who by giving His Son to die on calvary defeated such evil powers.
By believing in the death and resurrection of Christ we need never fear.
Faced with seemingly impossible challenges,
we can overcome these with the power of God.
As David did when faced by Goliath
we too can trust in God.