David: Overcoming Obstacles

****This Devotional Blog ties in with my Podcast, "David: Overcoming Obstacles?" at http://tompounder.podomatic.com/ or go to iTunes and type in Tom Pounder under the Podcast menu.****

Opening Question:

Have you ever had a situation where the odds of you succeeding were slim? What put you into that situation and how did it turn out?

Today, we are going to see a situation in which David faced enormous odds. Not because of something he did, but because of a situation he put himself into.

Scripture

At the time we pick up the story, the Israelites and the Philistines are in the middle of a potential war. They have camped out very close together getting ready. That is when a Philistine, named Goliath, came forward.

Read 1 Samuel 17:4-11
1. How was Goliath described?
2. What did he say?
3. How did the Israelites react?

Goliath was over 9 ft tall, had a ton of protective armour on him with a great bronze javelin that had an iron point weighing over 600 skekels! That's one impressive dude.

He acted as the spokesperson for the Philistines in which he challenged Israel in a 1-on-1 fight. If he would beat the Israelite person, the Israelites would serve the Philistines. However, if the Israelite would defeat Goliath, the Philistines would servie Israel. Basically, less killing but the higher the stakes. Needless to say, the Israelites were terrified and no one stepped up to the challenge.

Now, enter David. David was not apart of this army as he was still too young. But, he came to the camp to deliver food to his brothers. While he was there, he heard Goliath issue this challenge again. However, David couldn’t believe that no one would take Goliath up on his challenge. That is when one of Saul’s men heard him upset and sent him to talk to Saul.

Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37
1. What did David say?
2. How did Saul respond?
3. What was David’s reasoning for fighting Goliath?

Now, David was fired up! He wanted to fight Goliath because he has defied the army of the LIVING God. He knew that God will deliver him against Goliath just like He delivered him from the other obstacles in his life.

Saul, impressed with David, allowed him to go. So, there David is, face to face with Goliath. What was David going to wear to combat Goliath? What was his weapon of choice going to be? Because all the armor was too big, as was the weapons, David went out to fight Goliath with no armor and a sling. That’s it! Let’s see what happens.

Read 1 Samuel 17:42-50
1. How did Goliath react to David?
2. How did David respond to Goliath?
3. What happened?

So here David is small, ruddy, no armor, a simple little sling, a rock and GOD. He has nothing going for him as he faces Goliath except for God. He goes before Goliath, mocked and made fun of only to hit him dead on with the rock and kill him!

So, what the point here? The point is this: there is nothing that you can’t do with God at your side. Let me say that again. There is NOTHING you can not do with God at your side.

David was confident of this and it lead to this amazing victory.

Application

Are you confident in God’s ability to help you in all situations? When you encounter a situation, where do you turn?

If you are confident of God’s ability, you should turn to Him. I know you will encounter a lot of tough situations in life, but let’s be honest, David and his whole country’s lives were at stake here. If he would have lost, Israel could have been destroyed.

It doesn’t matter what situation you will be in. Whether you have a lot in your favor or nothing except a sling, God is there with you and will help you through all situations.

Remember Philippians 4:13 - "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

What can you do this week, regardless of the situation, trust in God’s ability to get you through it? Turn to God and trust that He will lead you through it…and you might just be amazed at what He can do.