In the previous post, I wrote about David’s encounter with Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The topic was David’s understanding of his challenges. In this second installment, I want to share some thoughts with you about David’s understanding of the nature of his opportunities. When the army of Saul was confronted with the giant and his threats, they all saw the giant as an impossible obstacle. David looked down into the valley, listened to the giant’s threats and saw beyond the obvious. He saw Goliath as a door to great future gain and blessing.
Consider the questions David asked in Verse 26. ““What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” We should all ask these questions when confronted with our giants. Let me enlarge them and paraphrase them into three questions. (1) “What can withstand me as I determine to conquer those things that would try to thwart the will of God? (2) How will God help me as I attack this threat to the His will? (3) What are the advantages I will gain as I confront and kill this seemingly giant of a problem?”
David simply chose to trust God and to attack his problem with what God provided him and in the way God made for him (a simple stone flung with faith that became a missile of devastation). David chose to deny the emotions of fear or doubt. He embraced his destiny. He exercised spiritual discernment combined with faith. He anticipated the supernatural intervention of God. He understood it was a test of his resolve. You may be facing a test today. The ground rules are no different. God wants you to ask the same questions David did. He wants you to have the same expectations David had. He wants to help you gain your victory and kill your giant! When opportunity presents itself, disguised as an intimidating test, spiritual discernment combined with faith, will give you the perspective necessary so that you do not deny yourself your God-given blessing.