Facing Giants – 3 Truths about Courage

What a powerful sermon by Pastor (Dr.) Justin Alexander this past Sunday. I was a bit under the weather, so we didn’t make it in person but watched later via streaming.

We continued this week in 1 Samuel, chapter 17. Go read that now. The passage will let you know what all and who all are involved in this scene. It wasn’t just David and Goliath. Very interesting, and you need this background to help you understand.

Pastor Justin began by giving us a few facts about Goliath and David. I didn’t know these or hadn’t paid attention when reading this passage because I didn’t understand the weights and measures of the day. But Justin told us just the tip of Goliath’s spear weighed fifteen pounds.

I don’t know about you, but I have trouble working out with two-pound weights in my hands. But then, I’m only 5’ 1”, and Goliath was said to be (by some) 9’ 9” tall. Can you imagine?

David was still tending to his father’s sheep. Even though he’d been anointed king, his brothers still looked down on him as little brother. They, and even their father, considered David the runt and the lowest of the low since his job was keeping sheep. Notice in verse 28 what Eliab, the eldest of David’s brothers says to him—I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle (ESV). Oh, my! Who was the presumptuous one? We are told that David was a man after God’s own heart in (1 Samuel 13: 14 ESV), yet here is his brother calling him evil.

How shocked they all were, from his own family to the Philistines, when David stepped up to say he would be the one to face the giant. What courage David had. He knew the truth.

Facing Giants - 3 Truths about Courage #DDuPreeWilliams #faith #David&Goliath #Courage Share on X

TRUE COURAGE COMES FROM KNOWING THE TRUE CHAMPION

When David said this, all the Israelites began to run away in fear that they would soon be subjected to slavery to the Philistines. What was David’s response when they declared that no way could he face this giant? 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 ESV). Courage that comes through faith. David didn’t doubt it for one second.

We know we can’t defeat sin and death, but the Champion who fought for David that day is the same one who defeated sin and death—Jesus Christ. He’s already defeated our worst enemy so we can fight against any of the lesser giants that may come against us in this lifetime.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF YOUR GOD, NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR GIANT

David gathered five stones, and he ran toward Goliath. He said to Goliath who stood there before him dressed in all that armor, his big shield, and that heavy sword, and he said, 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, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied (1 Samuel 17: 45 ESV). Now, go read 2 Kings 6 for a story about Elisha and his servant. Friends, even today, the armies of God outnumber those of our enemy. Don’t be afraid to face the giants in your life. Our God is bigger than anything you will face today. Lean in. Trust Him.

TRUE COURAGE LEADS TO AUDACIOUS FAITH

Take a minute to picture this scene in your mind. All the Israelites on one hill, the Philistines on the top of the opposite hill, and then there is David and the biggest giant he had to face, down in the valley below. Now picture David, small in stature, young, and seemingly incapable of anything big to his family and the Israelites.

We all know the story from here. David, with one stone, killed the giant Goliath. David trusted his God to give him the victory. Friends, that is the kind of faith we need today. That same God who was with David that day is the same One who is with us today.

When it seems like satan is winning in this world, remember David and Goliath. Trust God. Pray big prayers with audacious faith. Pray for true courage to face your giants, whatever they may be.

Pastor Justin ended with this, Nothing we will face is bigger than our God.

Friends, I leave you with a prayer that you will read the Gospel of John and the book of Romans. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, meet Him in these two books. Call upon His name with faith and true belief in Who He is—Messiah, risen Savior. The One who died for you and the whole world.

Blessings, y’all!

I did not know this song, but it is so good and fitting for this post! Blessings be unto you and yours. You know I love you, wherever you are, and God does too!