How to Fight a Giant

by

1 Samuel 17:4 – And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.


            The most famous battle in the OT is not between two armies, but between a young shepherd and a giant. This giant stands in the way of victory, keeps Israel in bondage, and has destroyed morale. Everyone’s except David’s, that is. We all have giants in our lives, but we can learn from David how to defeat them.

            First of all you need to win some small battles (vss. 34-36) and be faithful fighting off the lions and bears. How can you expect to do great things for God if you can’t do small things? Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” (Luke 16:10).

            Next, you must leave your baggage behind (vs. 22). Planes, trains, and automobiles all have weight limits. They can only take so much weight before they give in to the pressure. We aren’t much different. You can’t fight a giant when you are weighed down with the cares of this life or besetting sins.

            Thirdly, you must believe in the cause and dismiss the criticism (vss. 23-30). David’s own brother ridiculed him. And when he was brought before the King, Saul basically told him he was going to lose the fight. David didn’t let this discourage him. Instead I think it stirred him up even more! The cause of Jesus Christ is worth fighting, dying, and living for! Rod Mattoon said, “It is better to die for something that to live for nothing!” Amen!

            Also, you can’t fight in someone else’s armor (vss. 38-40). David couldn’t be someone he wasn’t. He admitted his limitations, but wasn’t any less confident because he was fighting in God’s strength not his own (vss. 45-47). David’s greatest weapon was not his sling, or the five smooth stones. David’s greatest weapon was the “name of the LORD of hosts.”