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The story of David and Goliath is very familiar. We recall David’s courage, the giant, or the miraculous victory. But there’s an important part of the story that is easy to overlook.
When Saul questioned David’s ability to fight Goliath, David didn’t defend himself. He didn’t list his strengths, training, or qualifications. Instead, he pointed to God’s faithfulness.
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37
Saul saw a young shepherd boy standing before a giant warrior. David saw a faithful God who had rescued him in the past. Saul focused on what he could see, and David focused on what he knew to be true about God. That shift in perspective changes everything. David’s confidence was not rooted in his own ability, it was rooted in God’s ability.
As a shepherd, David had already experienced God’s protection while defending his sheep from lions and bears. Those experiences with God in the wilderness became the foundation for his faith on the battlefield. Long before David stood before Goliath, he had learned that God could be trusted and that He was faithful. That’s why David could walk onto the battlefield without Saul’s armor. He was armed with something more powerful, his faith. He would fight the same way he had lived, trusting in the Lord.
Look at where David’s confidence came from when he faced Goliath.
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…” 1 Samuel 17:45
David understood something powerful - the battle was never about the Giant. Goliath trusted in weapons, size, and intimidation. David trusted in the Lord. Because David remembered God’s faithfulness in the past, he could trust Him to be faithful in the present.
We all face giants. Sometimes they look like fear, anxiety, sickness, financial pressure, broken relationships, disappointment, or uncertainty about the future. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and focus on the problem. But David’s story reminds us to shift our perspective somewhere else.
Think about your own life for a moment:
• Has God ever given you peace in a difficult season?
• Has He provided when you didn’t know what to do?
• Has He forgiven you, healed you, comforted you, or carried you through pain?
The same God who was faithful then is faithful now.
“For I the LORD do not change…” Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
God’s character has not changed. His faithfulness to us is not based on our faithfulness to Him. The God who sustained you in the past is still with you today.
David defeated Goliath because he trusted in the faithfulness of God. The same is true for us. Our history of God’s faithfulness in the past gives us confidence of His faithfulness in the present and in the future.
So whatever giant you are facing today, don’t let your focus be on the giant, shift your perspective and focus on the Lord. Remember who God is and His faithfulness. The God who carried you before will carry you again. Your giant is not bigger than your God.
The Rev. Canon. Shelly Sorem
Assistant Director
New Wineskins Missions Network
