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David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:37, NLT)
Before the age of fifteen, David had killed a 1,000-pound bear and a 400-pound lion. When he saw the 10-foot-tall Goliath taunting the Israelites and blaspheming the Living God Himself — David wasn’t afraid.
In fact, Goliath seemed insignificant to a lion or bear.
David had his slingshot, five stones, and faith in God’s strength. After hurling just one stone, his giant was lying on the ground.
As a shepherd lad, losing a lamb would be trouble. With a bear or lion involved, it becomes a nightmare. We will encounter “lions” and “bears” in 2025, and our trials this year prepare us for the “giants” of our future.
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:2-3).
David had two giants to slay that day, and Goliath was probably the easiest of the two. Before confronting his giant, he had to overcome ridicule and disbelief.
David’s brother ridiculed him. . .
But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” (1 Samuel 17:28)
King Saul didn’t believe him. . .
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33).
David fought his brother’s ridicule and his king’s disbelief before his opportunity to slay the giant. But David’s undaunted faith, refined through his previous experiences with God’s power, enabled him to stand firm. . .
The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:37a)
Have we had to fight the negativity of others before attempting the Lord’s calling?
When David’s brothers and King Saul finally acquiesced, they tried telling David how to fight the giant. . .
Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before (1 Samuel 17:38-39a).
Fortunately, David knew God’s ways. . .
“I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So, David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag (1 Samuel 17:39b-40a).
Our difficulties in 2025 are precursors to our future victories. Having developed the faith to fight God’s battles, let’s be careful when listening to the worldly wisdom of faithless bystanders.
Slaying giants in 2025! Amen.