GOLIATH REMINDS ME OF the cross-eyed discus thrower. He didn't set many records . . . but he sure kept the crowd awake!
Paralyzed and hypnotized, the camp of the Israelites sat in their tents. The only noise heard from their side of the valley was the knocking of their knees—in unison. Goliath was, up to that point, eminently successful with his strategy of intimidation. His threats came with regularity every day, producing the desired result—fear.
Some ten miles away a handsome, muscular teenager—the runt in a family of eight boys—was sent on an errand by his father. That innocent errand proved to be an epochal event in Jewish history. Fresh from the sheep and, more importantly, from the awesome presence of God, David stopped and stared in disbelief when he reached the battleground. He decided to act. With a well-worn leather sling and a smooth stone—and unbending confidence in his mighty God—David introduced Goliath and all the Philistines to the Lord of hosts . . . whose name they had blasphemed long enough.
David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword.
What an interesting counterstrategy! It is pregnant with practical truth for today, and I wish to deliver twin thoughts.
Prevailing over giants isn't accomplished by using their technique. David's greatest piece of armor was his inner shield of faith. It kept him from fear; it made him hard of listening; it gave him composure amid chaos.
Conquering giants isn't accomplished without great skill and discipline. To be God's warrior demands much more expertise and control than one can imagine. Using the sling and stone of the Spirit is far more delicate a thing than swinging the club of the flesh.
Are you facing a giant? Is the intimidation reaching unbearable proportions? Don't run . . . but don't try a bigger club either! Turn your Goliath over to Jehovah, the giant-killer. Explain to the Lord how anxious you are for Him to win this victory for a change—not the giant . . . nor you.
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved. The full devotional can be purchased at tyndale.com or wherever books are sold.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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