The following is an excerpt from our daily devotional series Faith that Overcomes.

David replied to the Philistine, “and that this entire assembly may know that the LORD does not save with the sword or with the spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will hand you over to us.”(1 Sam 17:47)

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This is one of the most well known and loved bible stories of all. A young man goes to war against a champion. This wasn’t just any champion. This was a seasoned man of war, and did I mention a giant nearly 10 feet tall? That alone made every Israelite soldier tremble in fear. David arrived in the camp of the Israelites to bring food to his older brothers who were drafted into the war. When he overheard the Philistine defying and cursing God, he was overcome with righteous anger and offered to fight the giant. His brothers were upset with David for offering. David ignored their insults. His bravery was noticed and reported to King Saul.

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Why was David, a youth, unafraid to face a giant? David was just a shepherd. When Israel needed a king, his own father Jesse didn’t even invite him to be considered. The Lord had to instruct Samuel to anoint David as king (1 Sam. 16:5-13). While David’s brothers received proper training for war, David trained in the fields. 

“I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock,  I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!  The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Sam. 17:34-37)

David had faith that although he was merely a shepherd, because he trusted in the Lord, the giant would be delivered into his hands. What faith for a youth! He rejected King Saul’s armor and sword. All he needed was five smooth stones. When Goliath found out his challenge had been accepted, imagine his laughter when he saw a boy with no sword and no armor. Goliath cursed David and the Lord, and He replied, “You come to me with the sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of heaven’s armies whom you have defied.”  As Goliath moved in, it says “David ran to the battle.“ Victory comes as David slung his stone straight into Goliath’s forehead. He then used Goliath’s own sword against him and finished the giant. He may have taken five stones, but he only needed one. 

David had faith that overcomes. His faith not only slayed the giant, but the giant’s family. Goliath had a brother who would wage war against David in later years( 2 Sam. 21:18,19). As David grew he was a man of war, but he was also always seeking God’s presence. We often read about, “David enquiring of the Lord.” Whatever He did, he wanted to consult the Lord before acting, not after. This is why David was so successful. He was fully confident that the God who was with him in the fields as a young boy was with him as he withstood the giant. He was confident that no matter what came against him, as long as the Lord was with him, then he would overcome. 

Lord, I want faith that slays the giants. No matter how big my enemy is, I serve the Lord Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth. Give me faith that will enable me to run to the battle instead of trembling in fear. As my giant is defeated, I know more will come. But I am confident in hope that You are with me. I want to be a warrior, but I also want to be a worshipper. I will sit in Your presence inquiring of You. I don’t want to do anything without first seeking Your counsel.  No matter what comes my way, if You rescued me before, you will do it again.  Even if people think I’m unqualified, You’ve been training me this whole time. Because You’ve called me, that means I’m qualified. This battle is Yours Lord, but You make me victorious. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Sam. 30:6)

And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” (1 Sam 30:8)

God chose his beloved one, David. He promoted him from caring for sheep and made him his prophetic servant. (Ps. 78:70 TPT)

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IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Puwadon Sang-ngern’s Images via Canva Teams.