1 Samuel 17:45-47 
David replied to the Philistine, “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. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (NLT)

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David the Shepherd Boy was something of a historian. He knew the Exodus stories of how God brought Egypt’s gods to their knees. He knew about Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the LORD’s army (Joshua 5:13-15). He knew Goliath and the Philistine army were not fighting against Israel and himself but were fighting against God. He knew that not nobody and not no one could oppose and overcome God and his plan for his people.

Take a look at how David talks to his gigantic adversary:

“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, . . .”

“This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

There is no arrogance in David’s words. There is no silver screen bravado. There is, instead, a complete dependence on God, a deep trust in God, an overwhelming assurance that God was in charge of everything that happened on that day in that place and the outcome in the moments ahead. 

David knew God’s heart and mind. He wanted God’s glory, not his own. He wanted God’s deliverance, not a military spectacle. He wanted the freedom and peace God had promised those who entered this land under God’s direction generations before. 

When we want what God wants, when we do what God tells us to do, when we operate in his timing and his strength, outcomes are often seemingly miraculous. Giants fall. Armies flee. Victories are won. 

Read this whole chapter. Read it aloud and hear what you might miss as you speed past words large and small. Hear what God did, and let it give you courage and confidence.

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I will live for God’s glory in the strength he gives as I seek to live out his purpose for me.

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Our Father, empower me today for all that is ahead of me. I will reflect on your goodness and grace when I lie down tonight. I will remember how you spoke to my heart and how you strengthened me for your service. I will give you thanks and praise. Amen.