Never the Underdog

Greetings,

I like underdog stories.  Among my favorite are Rudy and Braveheart. There’s just something about facing insurmountable odds and winning that inspires me.  That is why the story of David in the Bible is my all-time favorite tale of triumph!

David was a peach-fuzz faced teenager when he showed up with sandwiches for his hungry brothers who were on the war front fighting against the Philistines, Israel’s enemy.  That’s where he heard Goliath, a “giant of a man” who was also the Philistine champion, taunting the Israeli army.  The Israeli army was “greatly afraid.” But David was asking: “Who is this guy? Who does he think he is “taunting and defying the armies of the living God?”  And then he volunteered to fight the giant.

Initially, David was dismissed. “You’re too young!” “You can never win against this mighty warrior!” “You don’t have a chance!” You’re just a boy; he’s a man of war!”

Actually, David was a young man of great courage. “He chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and with his slingshot in hand, approached the Philistine.”

Goliath was greatly insulted that out of an entire army of men, someone who was “little more than a boy” would dare stand up to him, so “he cursed David by his gods.”

David’s reply is epic and one whose truth we can all treasure in our hearts: “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, Whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will hand you over to me...for the battle is the Lord’s and He will hand you over to us.”

Four Bible verses later, Goliath was dead – one little smooth stone flew straight from David’s slingshot into the middle of his forehead  -  the Israeli army surged forth to victory, and you and I are reminded that when God is on our side, we are never the underdogs.

What giant are you facing? It’s no match for our LORD!

Prayer: Dear Lord, many giants come against us with swords of fear and spears of worry. Give us courage! Right now, in Your mighty name, we ask You to hand us the victory over our struggles. The battle belongs to You.  We arm ourselves with prayer and trust you for the victory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.