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“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”1 Samuel 17:45

We all love the story of David and Goliath, how young David took the giant up on his challenge and killed him in the name of the Lord Almighty, saving the army of King Saul. It makes us want to cheer for David, the underdog. It’s the go-to story when we want to illustrate how faith can grant us victory in a helpless situation. We think if we could only have the kind of faith David had, we could have the same results.

But that’s not what the story is about. It’s not about David. This story is about God, about His power to accomplish His will through people. He knew the situation and chose David to win the battle. David’s heart was willing. He was also much smaller than the giant, inexperienced in war, and without armor. He was the least likely person for the job. That was why God chose him, to demonstrate His power.

How did David happen to be in the right place at the right time? It was by divine appointment, set by God. He didn’t need to check anyone’s calendar or remind everyone to be on time. He simply moved circumstances. He had the Philistine army on one side of the Valley of Elah and the Israelites on the other side, facing them for forty days. The tension was incredible as the giant roared his insults and challenges day after day.

At precisely the right time, God prompted Jesse to send David to the battle site with a donation of food. Then he filled David with His Spirit.

Did you ever have an experience where you felt the Spirit so strongly that you were compelled to take on His assignment? There was a particular instance when I had an urge so intense that I couldn’t obey fast enough despite the risk. I was amazed at the change God produced as a result. I believe that was the kind of holy urge that came over David. God’s hand was on him, giving him such a single-minded goal to take on the giant that he couldn’t stop. It was as if the Lord were behind him, pushing him into position and putting words in his mouth.

We know the story. He stepped up boldly, refusing to wear the king’s armor, and chose five smooth stones from the brook. He only needed one. He aimed at the forehead of the giant, and the stone found its mark. The giant was defeated, and the Israelite army surged forward, conquering the Philistines.

So what is the point of this story? Only that we need to be ready, available, and open to the Spirit, just as David was. Spend time in the presence of God daily, so when He taps you on the shoulder and gives you a divine assignment, you will be ready to take it on.

“Father, few of us would ask to be put into an impossible situation, but if You give us an assignment beyond our abilities, we ask Your Spirit to guide us as You guided David at the Valley of Elah.”

For His Glory

Cherie Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life