Sumagot si David, “Ang dala mo’y tabak, sibat at pantusok, ngunit lalabanan kita sa pangalan ni Yahweh, ang Makapangyarihang Diyos ng Israel na iyong hinahamak. Ngayong araw na ito’y ibibigay ka ni Yahweh sa aking mga kamay! Pababagsakin kita at pupugutin ko ang ulo mo. At ipapakain ko sa mga ibon at sa mga mababangis na hayop ang mga bangkay ng mga kawal ng hukbong Filisteo. Sa gayon, malalaman ng buong daigdig na may Diyos sa Israel.”

1 Samuel 17:45–46

David’s boldness to face the giant Goliath was not merely a juvenile sort of adventurism. The young man knew that the future of Israel was at stake in this battle. Israel was Yahweh’s chosen people. Their enemies and the other nations around them were watching, waiting to see if their God could save them.

Furthermore, Goliath mocked the God of Israel. David would not let this pass. He knew the power of God to save. He had stories to prove it. “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).

God had prepared David for this moment (see verses 34–36). With no armor for protection and only a slingshot for a weapon, he faced a nine-foot tall veteran soldier fully armored in bronze, protected by a shield, and armed with a spear that had a spearhead that weighed fifteen pounds. But the shepherd-boy killed the arrogant Philistine!

David had God for his armor. His personal experiences of God’s protection emboldened him to fight Goliath. He knew that God would protect him because he was going to this battle in His name. David’s motivation was to prove to the nations the power of God. And to give Him the glory that was due Him.

What has David’s story got to do with you? If you are a Christian, consider yourself in the middle of a battle. It is a battle for the minds and hearts of your loved ones and friends, and of peoples and nations. Like Goliath, many pagan and powerful forces have mocked the name of our God in many different ways. Are you ready to be a David that will confront these giants? How has the Lord prepared you for this battle?