Today the Lord Will Conquer

You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

The situation is altogether obvious; the opposition is just too big and too strong! Look at what you’re up against. The giant taunts you with intimidating threats that leave you feeling insignificant and helpless. The situation seems impossible; how could one person stand and do battle with such an opponent? Perhaps you already know about the story of David and Goliath, but let’s take a closer look.

Goliath was the champion of the Philistine army and stood as their representative. His challenge to combat reduced the battle to an all-or-nothing bout in the ring for a single fighter. Rather than submitting to his terms, I wonder what would have happened if Saul had rallied his troops to attack the Philistine army instead of focusing on Goliath. They were, after all, the Army of the Living God! They had won battles against far greater forces with God’s assistance. But there was always something about facing giants that utterly discouraged Israel’s leaders! Do you hear the giant shouting “I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!” “When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.”

But when David heard about the giant's threats, he had a different outlook. “Who is this pagan Philistine that he is allowed to defy the armies of the Living God?” For David, all the army of heaven stood with the Israelites. His confidence in God lifted him above the intimidation and fear that reduced Saul and his men to insignificant individuals. “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head.

Did you get that? It’s the Lord who will conquer the giant. Like David, you can be His champion. All you need to do is believe you are part of something far bigger than yourself! Oh, and you have to kill the giant and cut off its head!

Read: 1 Samuel 17

Listen: Every Victory