Two thirds the the battle plan laid out and now we come to the final piece. If you’ve struggled with addiction this story is for you. We’ve seen David close with God, prepared for battle, but what happens when he finally faces the giant?
This is part 3 of 3 in “The Art Of War. (For part 1 click here) (For part 2 click here)
Let’s jump in!
We left off with David drawing near to Goliath with only his staff, a few stones, and a sling. Goliath from a distance sees the shepherd boy and steps forward.
“So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him.”
The stage is set. Army on either side of the valley, champions have stepped forward. It’s about to down…
“And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beast of the field!”
Goliath sees our heartened king to be and “disdained him.” He took one look at David and was angry that they army of Israel would send a boy. A boy with no armor, no real weapon, and no experience against him. There was not an inkling of fear in Goliath’s heart. He tells David that he will kill him, give his flesh to to be eaten by the animals of the earth. Big words against a small boy. But watch how David responds.
“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
Imagine the deep echoing sound of Goliath’s voice booming across the valley, and David answers in his immature teen voice. Every Philistine probably laughed as David spoke, but… David spoke. David makes it clear that there is a difference between Goliath’s weapons of war and Davids. He says, “Wow that’s a dope spear you got there, but check this out… I come as a representative of God and by His command, who not only presides over the army of Israel, but over heavenly armies.” Then he makes his claim… saying God will “Deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and take your head from you.” It’s one thing to tell king saul he’s going to kill Goliath, but now David steps up to the plate tell Goliath he will take his head from him. Then he states…
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
Our first point for fighting your battles was to be close to God. Be in his word and seek him daily for strength. Second be prepared for battle, set yourself up for success by removing the things that will bring you down. Finally, do not delay in handling your battles. It’s time to step up. Like David sprinting toward Goliath, attack your own battle.
Now is the opportunity to move past the sin you have been struggling with. I taught this series to the youth at our church during a summer camp. The final task was to have them write out their battle plan. I would encourage you to do the same. Write down your personal battle, how your going to draw close God, how your going to prepare for battle, and live it out. Fight your battle and know you’re not alone. Please feel free to reach out to us for prayer and support.
This is part 3 of 3 in a series through 1 Samuel 17 titled “The Art Of War”.
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