Giants to Slay
“Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33, emphasis mine).
I LOVE the story of David and Goliath. Big nasty dude yelling stupid things about God and God’s people. But one day a boy comes to camp. Goliath continues yelling, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (v10). Goliath is not just asking for any opponent; he wants a man. A grown, trained, mature, “give me a challenge” —man.
There is but one response. David. Scholars believe him to be about seventeen(ish) when he told King Saul “Send me.” Saul’s response basically says, “You are but a boy, an adolescent. The situation is beyond you—beyond what you are.”
Saul tries to get David to wear his suit of armor. “I cannot go in these” he says (v39). There was no hesitation on David’s part. There was no “give me a minute while I figure this out.” He takes his sling, stick and smooth stones and RUNS toward Goliath. I must add, Goliath’s shield-bearer was out there too (v41). Not so tough now, big guy! David swung his sling, the stone hit the target. Down went the opposing giant of a man. Goliath called for a man. King Saul declares a mere boy. David did what God called him to do. Victory!
What is God calling us to?
May there be no hesitation in us when we are called beyond what we seem to be. Perhaps too young, untrained, too small. Or possibly too big, or too old.
Chances are we’ll run into a Saul now and then, but don’t let them pull out their measuring stick and attempt to size us up, their assumption has nothing to do with what God can do through us! Let us not begin a wardrobe change, trying to fit into someone else’s stuff. But take up what we know. His word. His presence and RUN toward what God calls us to. I'm sure if you wish to yell, “For Narnia!” God will understand.
We all have giants to slay.
Now go.
