One of our all-time favorite stories from scripture is the tale of David and Goliath from the book of First Samuel. It’s perhaps the most famous underdog story of the Biblical cannon, demonstrating to the delight of generations of readers the astonishing truth that a weak and inexperienced shepherd boy like David can take on a battle-hardened giant like Goliath and triumph.
No one would have predicted that outcome, of course. Everyone saw the glaring miss-match of battle readiness between these two opponents. Who would you wager would win in hand to hand combat – the enormous, saber-rattling professional soldier, or the skinny kid from the countryside?
Of course we’d bet on Goliath to win when pitted against the weaker and more vulnerable David. But David defied the odds. And perhaps, if we find ourselves staring down any giants of our own, reviewing David’s strategy for success could be helpful.
So how did he do it? How did David defeat the seemingly unconquerable Goliath? Well, first he entered the fray on his own terms, not Goliath’s. Goliath was arrayed in heavy armor, with formidable weapons in his hands and a helmet on his head. David was expected to dress similarly. But he refused. David had no experience with wearing armor and handling military weapons. And so, rather than attempting to enter the skirmish with unfamiliar equipment, he fell back upon what he knew best. He took only his sling shot and a few smooth stones. Then with one well-placed and perfectly timed shot, he felled the giant with the simple tool he had mastered.
But there is a second aspect to David’s victory worth noting. David ignored all the naysayers. David’s older brothers were scornful and wanted to send him back to sheep-tending. King Saul pointed out David’s inexperience and the certainty of his defeat. But David retained confidence in his own abilities despite the voices that predicted his downfall.
And finally, the story shows us that David’s victory hinged upon an awareness that he could trust not only in his own capabilities, but also in the strength of One far more powerful than he. He could trust in God to be present and to be a guard, a guide, and a stay. In fact, David even taunted his opponent, Goliath, with these words: “You have come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in that name of the Lord of hosts.” David clung fiercely to the belief that God may indeed choose unexpected people to employ unconventional methods to accomplish unprecedented things.
Are you facing giants? Do you feel like the underdog in a battle against seemingly insurmountable odds? Even if your fearsome giant is an illness, a grief, an addiction, a fear, or a loss, it need not be the victor. Imagine facing your giant as David faced Goliath – confident you are endowed with capacities for success, unwilling to be silenced or stymied by the naysayers who doubt you, and above all, reliant upon the presence of the One whose loving care for you is more formidable than anything that threatens you.
When the footsteps of an approaching giant echo in your ears and shake you to the core, take heart. Even giants can be overcome.
