Hello Greatness,

We often face situations that cause us to wonder how many giants we have to slay to get stronger. Issues that cause us to say “adulting is hard.” You know those life challenges that make it seem as if the last battle you faced and won was nothing compared to this current one. Well, I’m happy to tell you that this will soon become a testimony as well, but that statement will be incomplete without telling you there are more giants coming your way. In today’s post, we examine the book of 1 Samuel 17 and learn from David how to come out triumphant.

Reading through 1 Samuel 17 reveals the devil’s gimmicks. Goliath was David’s giant, but that situation you’re currently passing through could pass as your giant. Thing is, Goliath knew his size was intimidating and it would take a lot for someone to face him head on in a battle. Knowing his advantage, he played to his strengths and tormented the Israelites. He went on and on and on, instilling his fear in them. In case they forgot yesterday, he was ready to remind them today.

Who in their right minds wants to challenge someone who’s 9 ft tall? C’mon be reasonable. It’s like taking a knife to a gun fight. Yes, you’re armed, but with the wrong weapon. No wonder the Bible says in 2 Corinthains 10:4, that “It is like we are fighting in a war, but we do not use human weapons. Instead we use God’s weapons. Those weapons are powerful enough to destroy the enemy’s strong places. We use those weapons to destroy people’s wrong ideas.” (But I deviate)

“On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.”

1 Samuel 17:11 NIV

Gosh!!! He was so relentless. How can we come for a battle and you’re just intimidating us with your words. Mehn this thing went on for forty days. I wonder what’s got you so down for the past couple of days. What’s the devil been saying to you to make you feel dismayed? Wondering if God’s still got your back. How are you supposed to face a 9 ft challenge when you’re just 5 ft? 

“For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.”

1 Samuel 17:16 NIV

You know despite being so tall…. The things he wore on his body as a protective gear alone weighs more than I do.

What’s also interesting is the fact that those who weren’t at the fore front were counting on their soldiers to bring home the victory (as usual). How do you tell your people at home that for the past forty days there’s not being a physical war but that of the mind? Jesse told David to get food to his brother and bring home assurance that they were good and that the war was going in their favor. You know, David saw that his siblings were physically fit, but their minds were tampered with. You couldn’t get boldness instilled in them anymore because they’ve been brainwashed. You see, Goliath did a good job of promising they would serve his people once he won. They had resigned to their fate and were ready to ride their last bit of freedom as long as they could. 

“Also take these 10 cheeses to the officer who leads their group of soldiers. Find out whether your brothers are well. Bring something back to me to show how they are.”

1 Samuel 17:18 EASY

There’s something to be said of our mindset. I believe David had about four things working for him:

• He hadn’t been on that battlefield long enough to get soaked in Goliath’s words
• He had excelled at previous daunting challenges
• He was anointed
• He saw the Israelites as the armies of God, not of Saul. Hereby confirming the reality of 2 Corinthians 10:4

David was able to see Goliath for what he was, a phony, as well as a bully. He came at him with the same energy- who is this uncircumcised Philistine? You know, it’s interesting he chose to include uncircumcised in his insult. Being circumcised signifies being in God which in turn equates to being powerful ( being backed up by God).

You know what’s painful–David’s own brother mocking him. If they had only understood his heart for God, or the fact that being a good shepherd, he’s killed wild animals before, they might have put some respect on his name, but that’s not a gist for today.

It’s David’s boldness for me. Reassuring the king- don’t lose sleep over that fool. He’s nothing but a pin in God’s eyes. He might look big to the human eye, but to God, he’s an ant. God has his loophole right here. He’s been preparing me for this. And I don’t need to beat him at his own game, I’m beating him at God’s. It’s basically him telling Saul, God’s about to change this game, so make sure you get the best seat coz it’s going down real soon. 

“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 NIV

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After David recounts his past successes, Saul says “Go and the Lord be with you.” Does anyone else see the shade in that? I mean, why couldn’t the Lord be with you Saul. It’s like those people who promise to pray when you’re going through something and then end up not saying a single word. I mean after saying God will go with him he gave him his shield. I get it, that’s how he would have fought Goliath. But this makes me wonder, are you wearing someone else’s coat of armor when you should be picking up your stones? Did they decide to give their opinions after promising to pray, and you know fully well it doesn’t sit right with you? Be like David and take it off. Tell them thanks but no thanks. Go on and brag on God. Tell them, God’s got this. My way might be silly, but because God is in it, I’m assured of the result. I mean, David went to a battle ground with his shepherd’s bag. That’s what he knew, and God worked with it. 

“He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him.”

1 Samuel 17:42 NIV

Envy!!!! That was the first thing that tripped Goliath up. The lil boy walking up to challenge him was a head turner. I think God had already defeated Goliath by his mere look of David. I loved what David did. I mean you can say all you want to say but you’re not getting in my head. I have a mission and I’m going to accomplish it- one of the biggest reasons we stay forty days with no progress is that we become distracted. We understand the assignment but get too distracted by other things to follow through. David beat Goliath within a few minutes, told him what was coming, and before it was processed, he delivered. Don’t waste time with the stones in your hands. Let the stone go, and watch God direct it to the right place. Oh how God uses the foolish things!!

Hmmmmm, I wonder if the Israelites would have just surrendered if David didn’t step forward. 

Keep winning,

Mz_Ola

P.S: Goliath was only one of many “giants” David would slay. Start strong 💪 and with God!!!