By Bryan D. Gill, D.Min.
Director of the Office of Faith, Learning and Vocation, Samford University
David: A Faith That Meets Adversity Head-on
1 Samuel 17:3–8, 32–37, 45–47
David’s story is one of boldness and faith in the face of adversity. The story of David and Goliath is probably one of the most well-known stories in the Bible.
Countless books and movies have been written with this theme. Any time a sports team is the underdog, the announcers will say, “This is like David versus Goliath,” meaning the underdog is David. However, David was never the underdog.
God was with David all along, and the one to be pitied in this story was Goliath. All Goliath had on his side was his own strength. David had the power of God and the faith to prove it. Goliath never stood a chance.
Adversity provides the opportunity to display our faith. (3–8)
In our passage for today, Goliath is the champion of the Philistines, meaning he was the war hero and would fight anyone who would challenge him. First Samuel 17:3–8 gives great details on Goliath’s stature, armor and weapons.
Each of these details were meant to strike fear into the champion’s opponent. It is easy to gloss over the enormity and horrendous appearance of Goliath, especially when we’ve heard this story so many times. There isn’t enough space in this commentary to convince us of just how big and fearsome Goliath was, but it’s safe to say that he was the most terrifying figure the Israelite army had seen yet.
However, when the rest of the army saw an insurmountable opponent, David saw an opportunity to lift up the name of the Lord. None of us will face an actual giant on the battlefield. But we might face cancer or dementia or the loss of a child. And somehow these are more terrifying than an actual giant.
Yet these are opportunities for us to show our faith in a terrifying world. When we have faith in the face of adversity, the opponent doesn’t stand a chance.
Past experiences can grow our faith. (32–37)
When Saul questioned David’s ability to defeat Goliath, David recalled his previous bouts against lions and bears — two of the most terrifying and deadly animals on earth. David felt that God had prepared him to face Goliath by giving him experiences against dangerous animals.
David’s confidence in defeating Goliath didn’t come from his own ability, but in God’s faithfulness to deliver him from his opponent.
He said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
While David had the ability and skills necessary to defeat Goliath, he knew his deliverance was from the Lord. Defeating the lion and bear proved God’s provision rather than David’s ability.
Nothing is wasted in this life. Difficult times in life are not meaningless; they build resilience in us and strengthen our faith. Whatever battle you’re facing right now is preparing you for something even bigger, and the victory will be greater as well.
In the face of adversity, faith moves us forward. (45–47)
The Israelites and Goliath were not that different; both were relying on their own strength.
The Israelites were fearful because of their lack of strength, and Goliath was overconfident because of his perceived abundance of strength. However, David, who had little strength, was led to action because of his faith.
When the Israelites saw Goliath, they froze in fear, but David moved forward in faith because God would be with him and deliver the Philistines into his hands.
The Israelites were fearful because they were relying on their own strength to defeat their opponent. David was relying on the strength of God and his faith moved him to action.
When we face adversity, we have a choice to make — either rely on our own strength or rely on God’s.
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