It’s so easy to hear a familiar Bible story, nod, and think, “Yeah, I’ve heard that story before,” without really stopping to think about the significance of the story. I was struck with several principles while reading 1 Samuel 17, the story of David & Goliath. God showed me just how relevant it is to my life right now.
So here’s the first principle I was impressed by in this study of David’s approach to killing a giant:
1. David was filled with the Spirit of God before he ever faced the battle.
In 1 Samuel 16:13, the chapter BEFORE he killed Goliath, the Spirit of God came upon David as he was chosen to be the future king. David didn’t have to go spend hours in prayer before attempting to defeat this giant, begging to be filled with God’s Spirit. He didn’t have to wonder if God was with him. Nope. He was ready for the battle before he even knew
that there was a battle.
APPLICATION: Always be prepared.
Today might be a normal ho-hum day with no real unexpected events. No unannounced visitors. No loved ones in crisis. Nothing exciting to speak of at all.
OR…
It might hold events that change your life forever.
You may face the biggest battle of your life TODAY.
David teaches us to be ready always because in the face of a battle, there’s not usually time to prepare. Spend time with the Lord before the battle arrives. Be ready, so you can stand strong in the face of life’s giants instead of cowering in fear, trying to hurry and get right with God… while the giant stands outside and taunts you, your loved ones, and your God.