Text: 1 Samuel 17
David’s life would no longer be the same as we read how he defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17). How did David, a shepherd boy, do so? The answer could be found in the five stones inside his shepherd’s bag. Let us examine the five stones of David.
1. Personal Faith
Immense fear stoked king Saul and his army when Goliath challenged them to a one-to-one combat twice a day for forty days (vs. 8-11, 16). When fear crept in, God was conveniently pushed out. Fear had paralyzed these men of war!
In stark contrast, David held on to his personal faith, having an unwavering trust in God. He was confident that God was able to deliver him. He declared that “The Lord… will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (v.37).
Equipped with his staff, sling and five stones, David won the battle against Goliath using just the very first stone (v.49). David’s confidence was not in his equipment or skills, but in God. He knew that God was in control and he trusted in God’s power every step of the way.
The spiritual giants we face are not of flesh and blood. They are spiritual in nature. Satan is constantly seeking to devour us and to lead us astray through deception and distraction. Do you want to overcome your “Goliath” (i.e. sins; temptations; etc.) in life? You can, if you have a personal faith grounded in Christ (Matt. 7:24-27).
2. Preparation
As a shepherd, David had rescued lambs from the mouths of fearsome predators (1 Sam. 17:34-35). Unaware, these trials would prepare him for bigger challenges later in life. Thus, David was able to face the giant in the battle ground with good courage.
Are you prepared for your battle against your adversary, the devil (1 Pt. 5:8)? Notice that you are not fighting against “flesh and blood” but “against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
Henceforth, you must put on the whole armour of God and be prepared for your spiritual battle (Eph. 6:13-18) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3).
3. Perspective
Goliath was a sight to behold (1 Sam. 17:4-7). His mere appearance and mockery drove great fear into the hearts of men of valour (v.11). Such fear in the Israelites resulted from their lack of faith in God. They were looking at the situation with their physical eye and not with their spiritual heart.
David’s perspective was different. He read the situation with his spiritual heart, believing that the Philistines were fighting against “the armies of the living God” (vs. 26, 36). While facing Goliath, David even proclaimed that “… the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you [Philistines] into our [Israelites] hands.” (v.47).
David had the courage to look at a crisis from a spiritual perspective, and so should we. While confronting your spiritual “giants”, remember that God is faithful and He will “with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13). We will do well if we recognise the spiritual realities behind our earthly struggles.
4. Persistence
While David was talking to his brothers, he heard Goliath’s mocking and probably witnessed the Israelite army retreating in fright (1 Sam. 17:23-24). However, David was disgusted by Goliath’s defiance of the Lord’s army (v. 26).
That prompted him to question the soldiers standing nearby about the rewards for killing the Philistine giant. Notice David’s persistence with the same question even after his eldest brother angrily accused him of harbouring a prideful and mischievous behaviour (v. 28-30).
David’s unrelenting questioning eventually brought him before king Saul’s presence where he bravely volunteered to fight the giant even when no one else had the courage to do so (v. 32). But Saul was not convinced that David was able to defeat Goliath. Thus, David persisted to reason with Saul (vs. 34-37). Eventually, Saul consented.
How often do we back down and have no courage to stand up against challenges, especially in an environment gripped with fear or apathy? It need not be so because “… God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7). We can learn from David to persist in doing something right, even though the situation is difficult or when others are doubtful or against it.
5. Pure
When Saul consented to David fighting against Goliath, he armed David with his own armour. But David was not used to it. So he took off the armour of Saul. In replacement, he “picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40, NLT).
How interesting it is to observe that David did not conform to the military standard of his time by wearing an armour and girding a sword onto it. Neither did he allow his pride get in his way and insist on wearing a king’s armour, a rare honour conferred.
David instead chose to remain pure and he refused to be moulded by the principles of this world. He resolved to place his full confidence in God and to put on a spiritual armour shrouded with trusting faith. In so doing, David displayed an attitude of reverence towards God and His might.
How about you? When you are confronted with challenges that are huge and seemingly difficult to overcome, do you conform to this world’s standards and adopt the various worldly behaviour and customs?
Or do you choose to remain pure and unspotted in this world, allowing the Word of God to direct your paths (Rom. 12:2; Jam. 1:27; Ps. 119:105)? You will do well if you guard your mind carefully (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:17-19). Remember that from your heart, actions will follow.
Conclusion
May we remember the 5 P's when facing the spiritual giants of our life. Let us have a Pure heart as we Prepare and grow our Personal faith so that we can look at the giants in a correct Perspective and fight them with Persistence.
Ask Yourself:
How can you prepare to fight the spiritual battles in your life?
How can I shift my perspective to see situations through God's viewpoint?
Reflect on the spiritual battles you may be facing in your life. Are you relying on your own strength or are you trusting in God's might?
Suggested Answers:
Put on the whole armour of God, stay watchful, and pray (Eph 6:13-18).
Grow spiritually (2 Pe. 3:18) and walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
You may discuss this with the elders, the church ministers, or your class teachers.