Read: 1 Samuel 17:32-49
. . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. . . (vv. 46-47)
Young David visited his older siblings at the battlefront, only to be mocked because he asked about the giant who taunted Israel’s army and Israel’s God. David didn’t stop to argue, but pressed on, got his answer, and was ultimately taken to the king after he said he would fight the giant. By defying the armies of the living God, David believed the giant picked a fight with one bigger than him (1 Sam. 17:10). King Saul tried to discourage the boy, then attempted to dress him in heavy armor. But David refused (the king!), preferring his staff, slingshot, and five smooth stones.
All my life I thought this story was about David’s courage, but a few years ago I began to see it was more about God and his honor. Yes, David was courageous. But his firmest confidence was in a God who didn’t deliver with sword and spear. His courage was derived from knowing the God to whom battles belong. The honor he sought was God’s, not his own.
As we face our own giants—whether insults because of Jesus; looming challenges of health; or weighty moral and spiritual decisions—may we show the passion young David showed in defending God’s honor. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, ask God what all the earth and the assembly need to know today, and how you might defend his honor as you face your giants.
STRENGTH & WEAKNESS SERIES BY AMY CLEMENS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM WORDS OF HOPE, https://www.woh.org/devotionals/
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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