You only need simple faith

 

Simple faith + stone = A dead giant

“It is not by sword or spear the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s” I Samuel 17: 47

A shepherd boy defeating a trained, gigantic warrior is one of the best loved stories in the Bible. David’s victory over Goliath showcases the formidable faith he had in God. As a shepherd boy, David was not familiar with the sophisticated military strategies or gadgets of his days. But his outlook on life was shaped by his experiences in the wilderness while taking care of the sheep. 

He knew a spiritual lesson which King Saul and the army of Israel did not understand: God saves his people, not through sword or spear, but in his own unique ways. He was not relying on any weapon to defeat the gigantic Goliath. The stones and the sling were also symbolic things to show that he is relying only on God – who can win a battle with just stones and sling? 

He understood that when the battle is Lord’s, it doesn’t matter whether he has a sling or spear or whether he was a trained warrior or a shepherd zealous for God’s name. Though the pebbles were of no value in a battle, he knows that God can use these unassuming things to defeat the enemy. Because ultimately, it is not the things – stones and slings – that matters but the Lord who is on his side. 

Faith in God is enough! 

This faith in God made him declare in front of everyone that, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (v.45). He is clear that he is not trusting his stones but the Lord. 

This is a clear spiritual lesson for us. When we are faced with problems and uncertainties in our lives, we can use this lesson. A worldly person may think that certain problems need a bigger saviour or sophisticated solutions. But God’s children know that when the battle is fought in the honour of God, He will use any ordinary ways or even any ways which you have not imagined to fulfil his purpose.  

When you face Goliath (a metaphor for anything against you in your life), do not fear. You may not have a sword. You may not know how to handle a spear. Your stature is not big enough to wear a professional armour. But when God is with you, your limited strength (or even your worst weakness) is enough to overcome the enemy. 

You only need faith in God!