Facing Your Goliath: Trusting God in Overwhelming Battles

“And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hand” (1 Samuel 17:47).

Welcome back dear student, David said the above as he was running towards Goliath. Many people are fighting overwhelming battles with sicknesses, addictions, family problems, financial, or mental health issues. The list is endless, but the effects are the same. Fear, dread, exhaustion, emptiness, and confusion. No doubt as he faced this giant, David’s heart was racing, his body sweating, his mind in overdrive, but his spirit was strong, and his faith in God sustained him (Psalms 62:7). He told King Saul and those who laughed at him, of how God had delivered him from both lions and bears – fearful situations (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

This is what strengthened David’s faith – his past experiences of God’s Power. The time he spent worshipping God had deepened his relationship with the Lord. Relationship fosters trust - you will trust those you know you can depend on. It is vital for anyone facing their Goliath to press in and seek God (Jeremiah 29:11-14). The Word declares “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). It’s not a lack of education, achievements, or finances that’s destructive, but lack of knowledge of God and His Word. Yahweh, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, is a Covenant- keeping God. David knew this, the others had forgotten. Covenant is an unbreakable agreement. God is Faithful to His Covenant – His Word. People hope God comes through for them because of their good works or learnt off prayers, and then if it doesn’t happen they’re

confused and disappointed that God failed them. But God never fails (Luke 1:37).

The Word of the Lord is True. When David slung that stone into Goliath’s forehead the people saw raw courage and youth, and probably thought luck played a part in the victory. But they didn’t see the hours, days, and months of fellowship between David and his God; the trust, relationship, and tenderness developed in private worship on the side of a hill, between a boy minding sheep and his Creator. Multiple encounters between God’s people and their foes are recorded in the Word. Enemies so powerful and cruel that no bookie would give odds on (2 Kings 6:16). Yet, when they turned to God in sincerity and trusted in Him for deliverance – obeying what He told them to do and giving Him thanks and praise, they won! Their testimonies are still encouraging us today.

King Jehosophat of Judah was surrounded by not one, not two - but three different enemy armies. Wipeout was assured in the natural. But Jehosophat humbled himself before God and his people. He cried out to God, asking the people to do likewise, acknowledging… ‘O Lord, these enemies are too big for us, and we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon You’ (2 Chronicles 20:12). It took a lot for a King to admit weakness before his nation. Humility is key to breakthrough. Going into battle they sang of God’s Covenant – His unfailing Love (2 Chronicles 20:21). Faith is not about big brash prayers or courageous talk. Mostly faith is developed in tears, with trembling hands and knees, crying ‘Lord save me!’ (Luke 18:9-14; Isaiah 35:3-5). Lots of people are enduring battles that seem hopeless. Friend, you are not alone - call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus! (Romans 10:9-13). “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Big battles are overcome with God (Matthew 19:26). The Lord Jesus revealed “with man this looks impossible, but with God all things are possible”. Happy Thanksgiving!