In the last devotional, we looked at the story of David and Goliath without really looking too closely at David. Instead, the focus was on the rest of the Israelite army and their intense fear. Today I would like to look at David’s side of the story (see 1 Samuel 17 for the full story).
David was a shepherd, the youngest son in a family full of big, strapping boys. Those older brothers were all members of the Israelite army, but young David was left behind to tend the sheep. Not that being a shepherd was a “cake” job… David would go after the lions and bears that would run off with one of his sheep, killing it with his bare hands! (See 1 Samuel 17:34-35)
Circumstances brought David to the battlefield one day while Goliath was making his daily taunt… and David realized that no one in God’s army was planning to take the giant’s challenge!
I’m not sure if fear was even on David’s mind as he questioned members of the Israelite army… it sounded to me as if he was incredulous, wondering why in the world no one had gone forward yet?! (See 1 Samuel 17:25-30)
As an interesting side note, notice how the Israelites were focusing on the reward that Saul would give (which was pretty hefty!)… but David’s focus was on the man who dared defy and insult the GOD of the Israelites! Perhaps that’s why David didn’t fear… He was looking at the eternal, not temporal, rewards!
Saul heard of David’s line of questioning (he must have been quite bold & loud about it for it to have gotten to the king’s ears… or else they were THAT desperate!) and called David in to meet with him. Before the king, David volunteers to go before the Philistine:
David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32)
Of course, Saul scoffed. Why? Because David was not a warrior - he was a shepherd!
Isn’t it amazing how God chooses to use the unlikeliest of vessels to accomplish His work? Not only was David young, he also was not used to wearing armor… so he didn’t! He didn’t wear anything a typical warrior would wear, and he didn’t use the weapons of a typical warrior. (See 1 Samuel 17:38-40)
What a sight he must have been, walking out on that battlefield with a staff, a sling, and a bag of rocks! Oh yeah, and no fear. 
Why was David fearless? Because he knew whose side he was on!! Check out his response to Goliath’s scoffs and insults:
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
Remember our reflective verse from last week? Our battle is not against flesh & blood… the giants & Philistines of our time! It’s a spiritual battle we are in, and David recognized that. David also knew that the Lord is the BEST one to have on his side of the battle… and so he went forth fearlessly, knowing that God will deliver him.
Amazing faith! Amazing fearlessness! …and it can be YOURS, too… if only you’ll trust in God’s power the way David did. Be fearless… come against your enemy in the name of the Almighty God… & watch fear drop like it got a rock to the head. In the name of Jesus, declare that God will have victory in this battle today, & fear will be defeated!
Are you ready to be fearless?
God bless,
Jason & Heather
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Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear By Max Lucado Just think what you could do with your life if you completely emptied your heart of fear---and filled it with faith instead! Whether you're uneasy about layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, or flare-ups in the Middle East, anxiety can make life feel like a prison. Learn how to break free---with God's help! 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson. |
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Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear By Max Lucado Just think what you could do with your life if you completely emptied your heart of fear---and filled it with faith instead! |
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