Have you ever faced something that felt so much bigger than you? A challenge in your marriage, your finances, your mental health, your work? Maybe you’re walking through something right now that feels like a nine-foot-tall Goliath, taunting you day after day.
In 1 Samuel 16–17, we see how God raises up a shepherd boy named David to take down a giant that no one else had the courage to face. This story isn’t just for kids’ church. It’s not just about an underdog winning a battle. It’s about how God discovers, develops, and delivers those who are fully surrendered to Him.
How God Discovers Us
In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel goes to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king. Jesse lines up seven sons, and Samuel assumes the oldest, tall, strong, impressive, must be the one. But God says in verse 7:
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
David wasn’t even invited to the lineup. He was out tending sheep, doing a job no one else wanted. But while others were overlooking him, God was observing him. David’s faithfulness in the field was seen by Heaven. When God said, “He’s the one,” Samuel anointed him, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him from that day forward. God is not looking for the most impressive résumé. He’s looking for the most surrendered heart. If you feel unseen or unqualified, remember this: God sees you, and He specializes in using the unlikely.
How God Develops Us
David was anointed king, but he didn’t become king overnight. He still served. He still went back to the sheep. He became Saul’s armor-bearer and ministered to him through music. While David was playing the harp, fighting lions and bears, and running errands for his father, God was preparing him for the battlefield. You may feel stuck in a season that doesn’t match your calling. Don’t despise the in-between. God often uses hidden seasons to build holy strength. Private victories prepare you for public battles.
How God Delivers Us
Then comes chapter 17. Goliath, nine feet, nine inches tall, was taunting Israel day after day. The entire army was paralyzed with fear. But David shows up with bread and cheese and ends up volunteering to fight a giant. David’s own brother mocked him. Saul told him he was too young. But David remembered what God had already done, he had fought lions and bears, and he believed God would do it again. He didn’t try to be someone else. He took off Saul’s armor and picked up five smooth stones. With a sling and a prayer, David ran toward the giant and brought him down. Why? Because he knew what we need to remember:
“The battle is the Lord’s.” – 1 Samuel 17:47
What’s Your Goliath?
What giant are you facing right now? Debt? Depression? Anxiety? Addiction? Don’t let fear paralyze you. The same God who was with David is with you. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing. David wasn’t the biggest. He wasn’t the strongest. But he had confidence, not in the sling, but in his Savior. He had history with God.
And maybe you’re on day 40, feeling like the battle will never end. Let me remind you—day 41 is coming.
• It rained for 40 days, but on day 41 the sun came out.
• Israel wandered for 40 years, but on year 41 they entered the Promised Land.
• Jesus was tempted for 40 days, but on day 41 the devil fled.
Don’t quit on day 40. Your breakthrough could be right around the corner.
A giant is something that’s bigger than you, but it’s still smaller than God. When the odds are stacked against you, God is just getting started. You don’t need to be the strongest or the most gifted. You just need to step forward in faith.
Don’t trust in the stone, trust in the One who guides it.
If you’re facing a battle, we’d love to walk with you. You don’t have to fight alone. Plan a visit to Liberty at libertylive.church/visit or fill out a connect card at libertylive.church/connect so we can stand in prayer with you. No matter what you’re up against, remember: the battle belongs to the Lord. And because of that, you already have the victory.
Works Consulted:
Tony Evans Commentary
1 Samuel 17, Mills
1 Samuel 17, Cathey
Life of David, Olford
Facing Giants, Lucado
Life of David, Swindoll
Holman OT Commentary
Maxwell Leadership Bible
