August 5, 2024
Conquering Fear with Testimony
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read 1 Samuel 17:1-58.
Twice a day, the Philistine giant Goliath would emerge to taunt the Israelites: “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? . . . This day I defy the armies of Israel!” (vv. 8, 10). To defy the armies of Israel was to defy the God of Israel. Yet not even King Saul, who had more military experience than anyone else, who was six feet, ten inches tall, who was the only Israelite with armor, who was meant to represent the living God, dared to accept Goliath’s challenge.
When David entered the camp and heard Goliath’s mockery, he was livid that the name of God should be blasphemed. He asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26). Soon, David was standing before King Saul, ready to accept Goliath’s challenge on behalf of the nation.
David had every reason to fear Goliath, but he conquered his fear because he trusted in the Lord God Almighty—he remembered his testimony of God’s faithfulness and care (vv. 34-37). That was David’s heart. He so revered the Lord that he was broken inside when he heard Goliath insulting God. It was enough for him to risk everything—enough for him to conquer his fears.
David came to the front that day prepared for anything because he had spent many hours watching his sheep, praying and praising God, focusing on His faithfulness and majesty. He knew he could face Goliath because God would be with him. He told King Saul, “[T]his uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of [the wild animals I killed], because he has defied the armies of the living God” (v. 36).
David faced the mighty Goliath, saying, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty” (v. 45). And with that fierce conviction burning in his chest, David received the victory.
When you feel worries and fears welling up within you, I want you to follow David’s example and say, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty!” Say it every day, every time fear rears its ugly head—because when you testify to the goodness and power of the Lord who works all things for the good of His people (see Romans 8:28), fear doesn’t stand a chance.
Prayer: Father, You are faithful. May I always stand on my powerful testimony of Your goodness to me. I delight in You, my Savior and Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series A Heart for God: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
Today’s devotional is adapted from Dr. Michael Youssef’s NEW book A Heart for God. Visit LTW.org to request your copy for your gift of any amount by October 19, 2024! (Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada.)
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