David & Goliath - Pixabay (CC0)
One of the most famous stories in the Bible is the story of David and Goliath. Even children take delight in this story especially because they can relate to the fact that a little person brought down a huge one. David was a young shepherd boy who had been tending his father's flock in the deep wilderness while Goliath was a Philistine giant of a man. Please read 1 Samuel 17:1-58 to get a feel of the story if perchance you have forgotten the details. There are several lessons to be learnt from this story and I'm sure we are aware of most of them. I would however like to write this as a sort of reminder about the significance of that incredible battle.
Lesson 1
Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped between Sochoh and Azekah, in Ephes Dammim. - 1 Samuel 17:1-58
Spiritual warfare is very real. The Philistines gathered in a land that belonged to Judah, the children of Israel! Several evil gatherings occur in your space, at your workplace, on your street and so on, regularly. The only way you can escape all forms of attack is by being nothing and by ending up as a nonentity. The minute you make up your mind to matter in life, be ready for the gatherings of the evildoers. So don't joke with your spiritual life. Keep praying in tongues.
Lesson 2
And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. - 1 Samuel 17:4-5
Giants still die! No matter the packaging; no matter the height and size. Situations are not always as bad as they appear. Never magnify the enemy regardless how huge they seem; financial giants, marital giants, emotional giants, don't ascribe much importance to them. With every time you express the joy of the spirit, every time you speak in tongues, every time you attend service with all your heart, every time you pray fervently, you deliver blows to your giants and eventually they will crumble and they will die.
Lesson 3
Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. - 1 Samuel 17:8-10
Goliath had the audacity to defy the "armies" of Israel. Every nation has one army, however Goliath said armies meaning he even included the spiritual army of Israel. This meant he was aware that there was a spiritual backing to the battle but was power drunk enough to think he could defeat both the Isrealites physical and spiritual armies. He invited God's wrath by under estimating God and His chosen people. That's the same way the enemy under estimates you and the God you serve. Intimidation is still the enemy's age long and constant weapon. He can do nothing until he intimidate you. The purpose of intimidation is to frighten you, so the Bible says fear not 366 times (1 for each day of the year including leap years, lol). Laugh at any form of intimidation. It may be difficult, but practice it, laugh at it and refuse to be intimidated.
Lesson 4
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. - 1 Samuel 17:11
The Israelites and their king were all scared and dismayed. Hey there! Fear is normal! That you failed or you were afraid, is absolutely normal. Stop feeling bad or beating yourself up; just learn how not to fail again. Fear and pain are part of growth. Everybody can be afraid, however what you do with your fear is determined by what you carry inside of you. Everyone fears and it can be healthy fear especially when it makes you rely more on God. There will always be something that you need to stretch your faith and lean on God for.
Lesson 5
So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. - 1 Samuel 17:20
The battle was at an impasse but David arrived and became the game changer with new possibilities. Listen, Everybody's story of destiny starts one day! May you not miss that day in Jesus name. David had to run an errand of destiny for his father. He had no idea that the errand would pave his way to the palace! Every time you are sent on an assignment, it may be an exam! Life exams are never announced so do your duties and assignment with all your heart. God watches your heart. You better be on point and at your best even when nobody is watching.
Lesson 6
Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “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? - 1 Samuel 17:26
Everybody was seeing Goliath as a prospective conqueror, but David saw him as an opportunity. Perspective is everything! How do you see life? Do you see it as a party or a marathon? Do you see the cup as half full or half empty? Jeremiah 1:11-12. We need to train ourselves to see well. Be optimistic about life and stop believing the worst of everything.
Lesson 7
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle. - 1Samuel 17:28
When you are on the verge of birthing a great thing or idea, be ready for criticism. The criticism may come from any source; it could be from an envious boss, or a jealous friend or even a parasitic family member. New possibilities and reaching for the top makes you a target for criticism and naysayers.
Lesson 8
And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. - 1 Samuel 17:29-31
David replied Eliab; he didn't slump his shoulder in premature defeat and back down. Refuse to give up. Walk away from haters. Go ahead, keep at it and shine regardless of the haters.
Lesson 9
Moreover David said, “The Lord , who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you! - 1 Samuel 17:37
Keep records of past victories! (Psalm 103:2). Start a thanksgiving journal. Thank God for all He has done. Remember when you were so close to shame and God showed up on your behalf! It will help you in the current battle. Don't forget that He who made a way is able to make another way for you.
Lesson 10
And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” So David answered, “ I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite. - 1 Samuel 17:58
It was a little confusing that Saul was asking whose son David was, especially because David had been the one who played the harp that chased away Saul's tormenting demons. It seemed Saul couldn't recognize him anymore because the anointing upon David had already begun to change him! Maybe he looked more attractive and more respect worthy...lol. My point here though, is that humility sustains us. No matter what you become, you need to remain a son to both you natural father and spiritual fathers. Let your pedigree be traceable. Have someone you submit to.
Cheers and thanks for reading!
Original content published by me here
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