3 Great Lessons From David’s Big Faith

The story of David and Goliath is arguably one of the most memorable moments in the entire Bible. If you grew up attending Bible Class and Vacation Bible School, then you have probably heard about this unforgettable story countless times. After all, how could one forget about a young shepherd boy defeating a gigantic champion with only a sling and a small stone? Everyone loves to hear about the underdog defeating the enemy and saving the day. Amazingly, David actually did defeat mighty Goliath and his story is completely true! The blood of the Philistine giant stained the soil that day, and God’s people prevailed over their enemy! But David’s battle with Goliath is more than just a children’s Bible Class story — it contains some great lessons needed by God’s people of every generation. As we marvel at the big faith that motivated David to stand against Goliath, let’s notice a few lessons we can learn.

First, the story of David and Goliath reminds us to never underestimate the powerful grip of fear. As the Philistines came up against the children of Israel, their giant of a champion challenged the people of God twice a day for forty days (1 Samuel 17:16). For a grand total of 80 times, Goliath ridiculed Jehovah, the king of Israel, and the people of God. Incredibly, nobody accepted his challenge and sought to silence his mockery. The reason why is clearly stated within the story’s account. King Saul and all of Israel “were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). Fear paralyzed God’s people. Fear enabled God’s cause to go unavenged. Fear allowed a giant to ridicule Jehovah for over a month. Fear, you see, can take hold of God’s people in a powerful way. God’s people must continually be aware of this danger and aim to never allow fear to be the ruling power in their hearts. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

Second, the story of David and Goliath encourages us to take a stand even though others will not. None of the valiant men in Israel answered Goliath’s call for an opponent. Incredibly, even Saul refused to quell the threats of Israel’s enemy. When Saul first became king of Israel, “he fought against all his enemies on every side” (1 Samuel 14:47). He would fight against the armies of the Moabites, the Edomites, the Ammonites, and the other enemies of the nation, but he remained unresponsive when threatened by this one arrogant enemy. David, however, was willing to act even though others remained fearful and hesitant. He willingly said, “your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:32). It’s not easy to act when others are apathetic. It takes great courage to stand against the currents of pressure to be like everybody else. The church needs brave men and women like David who will take a stand, be willing to act, and give themselves completely to God even though others might not.

Third, the story of David and Goliath teaches us to use what we have and leave the rest to God. David couldn’t wear Saul’s armor or use the king’s weaponry to war against the Philistine champion. Instead, David simply “chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch” (1 Samuel 17:40). His confidence, though, wasn’t in the sling or in the stones—David knew God was in control and would help him conquer this foe. As David confidently declared, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel…for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). He used what he had, he left the rest to God, and he trusted in God’s power every step of the way. Today, God calls each of us to do just the same! God isn’t asking us to do the impossible; He is asking each of us to use the talents, resources, and opportunities He has given to us, and trust in His power to do the rest. When we do this, no battle will be too big, no enemy or foe will be too great, and no problem will be too difficult. Our God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20)