The story of David and Goliath is undoubtedly one of the best known stories in the Bible; in fact, the expression �David Vs. Goliath� has been used to describe everything from political races to sporting events. Those two names immediately conjure up images of a young man stepping out on faith to conquer a giant against all odds. But, have you ever noticed what happened before David arrived on the scene?
In 1 Samuel 17:3, we see that the Philistine army and the Israelite armies are standing on opposite mountains, with a valley in between them. At that point, Goliath began taunting the Israelites. Later in that chapter, in verses 23 and 25, we find out that Goliath was �coming up� and the men of Israel were getting out of the way. Goliath had presented a challenge, and no one had responded. Rather than simply leaving, Goliath began making his way closer. Isn�t that what our problems tend to do? Ignoring a difficulty tends to make it even worse, especially when it comes to the spiritual giants we face. Are you facing a spiritual challenge? This passage teaches us that ignorance is not the answer; a firm stance rooted in faith is the only effective response.
Earlier, in 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites had wished for a king so that they could be like all the other nations, and they got their wish. They were now like every other nation - thinking only in terms of physical strength and not in terms of God�s strength. In their hurry to become like everyone else, they had neglected the one thing that set them apart - their faith in God�s power to deliver them. Israel had always been a nation that celebrated God�s deliverance, whether it was their exodus from Egypt or their victories in battle. Yet, when they saw Goliath, those thoughts were crowded out by fear. I wonder if we are ever in such a hurry to be like everyone around us that we lose qualities which make us a distinct people. Are we in such a hurry to live like everyone around us that we neglect to give God the best of our time, talent, and money? Are we in such a hurry to dress like everyone around us that we forget about God�s plan for dressing modestly? If so, we�re making the same mistake the Israelites made; we�re trading in our spiritual identity for an earthly one, and only one of those will last. What are we wishing for?
If you had asked any of the Israelites within earshot of Goliath if they believed in God, they probably would have said yes. If you had asked any bystanders if the Israelites believed in God, they probably would have said no. The Israelites claimed to believe, they just didn�t act like it. If we are going to set the stage for a David Vs. Goliath victory, we must face up to our spiritual challenges, realize what makes Christians truly unique, and live like it every day. Let�s make that our wish!