God’s Unique Way of Establishing David in the Hearts of His People

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. I Samuel 17:45-51

Steps: 1,2,3,11,12

God arranged for the conflict between the Philistine nation and Israel. Their champion Goliath was over 9 feet tall and was a mighty warrior. All Israel was afraid of Goliath and the champions like Jonathan were held by the hand of God until His champion – David – was ready to come on the scene. This drama lasted for 40 days until all hearts were asking God to raise up His champion to come onto the battle field to address Goliath. When David came on the field all eyes were shocked with the simply way in which God took care of the problem. God sent His choice for King, and He sent him in the name/character of the Lord, without armor but clad in glory, to deliver Israel. David was clear to give God all of the glory but he was willing to do his part. He had trained as a youth by saving literal flocks of sheep from lions and bears, and when he saw Goliath he had full trust in God’s power to give him victory over any enemy. God prevailed through His servant, and God was glorified as was God’s servant Jesse. He was a hero in the eyes of the people and in due time he would lead Israel all of the time as God’s king.

Prayer for Today: Help us to have simple trust in You Lord. You can deliver us from Goliath and from our addictions, whatever those addictions may be. Thank You for Your power and grace.