David went from running errands for his earthly father to fighting in an epic battle against Goliath and the Philistines for his Heavenly Father on the same day. He didn’t go to the Valley of Elah for a fight, he went there to deliver food to his brothers and to see how they were doing. For 40 days Goliath came to the battle field between the two armies, challenging one of Israel’s men to a “winner takes all” kind of match to the death. Of the thousands lined up in Israel’s army, not one soldier dared fight Goliath, but the day David showed up, all of Israel got the victory. How did this shepherd boy end up being the Savior?
- David arrived arrived at the perfect time. He rose early to take the supplies for his brothers and when he arrived, armies were lining up for battle. 1 Samuel 17:20 “So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took [the things] and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle.” When God intends to use you, you will always arrive at the perfect time.
- David heard some fighting words from Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:23 “Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard [them.].”
- David saw what he needed to see that caused him to fight against Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:24 “And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid.”
In life you will come to similar moments just like this where you have to do something that will change your life and the life of others. David wasn’t looking for a fight, and neither should we, but there are fights that will come. And there are foes we are no match for that will come against us and stop us in our tracks and paralyze us with fear. When that happens, this epic Old Testament battle with David and Goliath teaches us what to do. Line up for battle and stand in formation like Israel’s army, and then wait in faith believing Someone will come and fight your battles for you. His name is Jesus!