Remember what God has Done

“The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him.

He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, ‘Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.’Again the Philistine said, ‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.’ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”
1 Samuel 17:3-11

“The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.” 1 Samuel 17:16

In 1 Samuel 17, the Scriptures recount how the Philistines taunted the army of Israel for forty days. Their greatest defense was a giant of a man named Goliath who daily shouted slanderous threats at Israel. When David traveled to Israel’s camp, he found the soldiers discouraged and fearful. Not one arrow had been shot, yet it was apparent that Israel was ready to concede defeat (1 Sam. 17:24). Many problems we face act like Goliath. They shout false accusations and threaten us emotionally and physically in an attempt to discourage and keep us from doing God’s will.

The Goliath in your life may be a financial indebtedness, the sudden death of a loved one, a teenager who has left the home, news of a serious illness, a broken relationship, or a friend on drugs. It could be a disappointment at work or a series of personal failures. Whatever it is, God is with you, and He will never abandon you (John 14:18). Every trial, every disappointment, is an opportunity for Him to display His love and faithfulness toward you. Instead of giving in to thoughts of fear and failure, trust Him for the victory.

David’s faith was not based on human ability. It was founded and rooted in the faithfulness of God. One of the things that helped him stand firm when tested was recalling how God had worked in the past. The memory of God’s miraculous intervention raised his confidence level as he remembered the times he faced potential death and God gave him the victory.