The mountain we’re going to for our next vacation isn’t known by name. It is here, though, that we will adventure with David in a most harrowing experience.
David is sent by his father to enquire about his three older brothers, who are in King Saul’s mighty army. Israel is at war with the Philistines. When David arrives, he discovers that fear has fallen over the camp because of one man named Goliath. Daily Goliath challenges the Israelites to send out a representative of their army to fight him. His terms are simple. He will battle one man, and whoever kills the other is declared the winner.
For forty days, there had been no one who was willing to battle Goliath. When David learns of this, he replies, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
From this point, David enters into an experience that has a great lesson for us as we seek to serve the Lord in our daily lives.
Dared to serve
- In the midst of a fearful army, David volunteered for battle (I Samuel 17:32)
Here were soldiers who had endured vigorous training, and for forty days they had stood within the safety of the camp, afraid to fight the enemy. Why were they afraid? They had the wrong perspective of their enemy. They saw a giant. David saw Goliath as someone who was defying God.
How ridiculous David must have looked in the eyes of the hardened warriors. The first response to David’s volunteering was to point out his age.
David is an example to us that a person of any age can be used by God if he is willing. Many would frown upon the younger generation’s efforts to serve, but God will use whoever is willing.
- He had unique preparation
In the line of duty as a shepherd, David had battled a lion and a bear. He had slain both barehanded. He was a young man adept at battle. This experience with animals probably seemed far removed from any preparation for fighting a giant at the time, but God works in wondrous ways in our lives, preparing us for the work He wants us to do. Sometimes, without our noticing it.
Desired own abilities
Finally, David was given permission to battle Goliath. Now came the preparation for battle. David was outfitted with heavy armor, a bronze helmet, and a sword at his side. King Saul thought David was ready for battle, but David would not go. He had never worn armor or wielded a sword.
Had David gone to battle wearing this armor, he certainly would have been killed. He had never proved this equipment. He tried to be a soldier, but he was not one.
When we engage in work for the Lord, He expects us to be ourselves. He wants us to do our work on our own abilities. He doesn’t want us to be like someone else. God has given each of us unique abilities.
Defend the Lord’s battle
There was a purpose in this battle between the mighty giant and the young shepherd boy. “The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.”
How could a shepherd boy dare to stand before this giant? He recognized and declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.”
It was not David’s or Saul’s army, but a battle that belonged to God. David had said, “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.”
When we are engaged in the Lord’s work, we do not have to fear the outcome of our labors. If we are giving our very best, the Lord knows, and He will cause this to bring honor to His name.
Many people are like Saul’s army. They don’t dare to do anything for fear of defeat. May I say this, that the surest way to defeat in the Christian life is to do nothing. Nothing done means nothing won.
There is truth here that is worthy of our consideration for present-day living.
- Dare to do
- Many people have said, “I would be a Christian if I thought that I could be true to God.”
- When all others dared not, David dared to serve, and the battle was won for God.
- Be yourself
- Use your own talent and abilities. They are the ones that God gave you.
- Engage fully in the Lord’s work
- David laid his life on the line to serve God.
- What are you doing for Him?
Irvin's Legacy 