David was a brave youth who confronted Goliath the philistine giant who challenged Israel. The Giant cried unto the armies of Israel saying, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” The King Saul and all the people of Israel were “dismayed, and greatly afraid”(1 Samuel 17:10-11). When David offered to fight Goliath, King Saul doubted him because of his youth and inexperience at war. The Giant was heavily clad with an amour, spare, and sword (1 Samuel 17:4-7).
But David came to fight Goliath with a sling and stones and killed him using only one stone (1 Samuel 17:36-51). After David defeated the Giant, women from all the cities of Israel rejoiced singing “Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten thousands”. King Saul was angry and displeased that they had ascribed more to David and feared he may have the kingdom (1 Samuel 18:7-8).
What is the strength of David’s faith expressions? He used testimonies of his experience with God in previous challenges – where God delivered him from a bear and Lion, to trust that the God in that past difficulty is also the God of the present one.
Also, he rejected the amour, helmet, sword and coat of mail of King Saul to fight the battle because “he had not proved them”; and chose instead to rely on what he knew by conviction, was the power of God, not his ability (1 Samuel 17:38-39). So he used his sling and stones to fight the giant.
Another point is how David perceived the challenge: he viewed it as against the God of Israel, whom Goliath defied. Therefore he will fight Goliath not with sword, spear or a shield, but “IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS” (1 Samuel 17:45).
A further strength is the use of the power of prophecy to overcome the challenge. He said “this day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; … for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands” and so was it (1 Samuel 17:46-47). David prophesied (or spoke to) the end he desired for the battle before he fought it.
David’s faith expressions will manifest in situations where one perceives that the interest of God is at stake and you chose to take a stand for the name and glory of God.
2. JEHOSHAPHAT: PRAISING TO VICTORY
