For those up against something big and scary, the epic tale of David versus Goliath still inspires

3 min read

If you thought the story of David and Goliath was just Sunday School material, now would be a good time to reconsider its ongoing relevance to your life.

Never has the tale of little guy versus giant been so on point.

For one, these actual events from the life of David foreshadowed an even greater epic of good versus evil. How so? When David defeated Goliath, it previewed the story of the Gospel.

Just like David squared off against Goliath on behalf of everyone standing behind him, so Jesus squared off against the antagonist, the Devil, on all our behalf. As the Son of God, only he could it.

Against all odds, humble Jesus became our Champion, our representative warrior. And through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the biggest, ugliest, and most intimidating giant ever – death itself. As the Apostle Paul put it,

“But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.”

-1 Corinthians 15:57

But the story of David and Goliath also speaks to us on another level. For those of us who feel small and weak in comparison to the size of our problems and challenges today, the story gives us hope.

It reminds us that if we have faith in God, nothing else matters. After all, faith was really all David had that day in the valley.

Just before he sunk a stone into Goliath’s forehead, he said,

“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the Name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

-1 Samuel 17:45

With a simple faith, David believed that God was with him in the situation. That was enough. To everyone else, the battle appeared lopsided in the giant’s favor, but David’s faith in the Lord actually tilted it in his direction.

“It reminds us that if we have faith in God, nothing else matters.”

Friend, this is still true. Faith in God – that He is present, that He is powerful, and that his plan will ultimately prevail – will always be to our advantage, no matter how small and outmatched we might feel. (see Hebrews 11:6). No matter how imposing or impossible a situation may appear to be – whether it’s a family problem, a health scare, or a personal struggle – we can be confident that because of Jesus, we will win.

So, whatever you’re up against today, remember that God is still doing big things through folks who trust him. Get past all the hype and trash-talking of the enemy and you will see the future doesn’t necessarily belong to the odds-on favorite. The future still belongs to the faithful.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.