And remember Goliath did this for 40 days! Every single day he taunted the Israelite army. Have you ever been there, the enemy constantly reminding you about what is wrong, what you don’t have, what people have said or done against you, how you are suffering—over and over again?
Meanwhile, while all of this was happening, David’s dad sent him to run an errand.
David was not even thinking about fighting. His dad (Jesse) told him to take his brothers some food and to make sure they were okay; tell them dad was just checking on them. Remember, David was the youngest son. He had already been anointed to be the future king, but was still just a boy so he went back to tending the sheep. While the other brothers were preparing to fight, he was tending the sheep. God prepares us in so many different ways. Never compare your journey to someone else’s. What God has for you is for you, so be faithful in following His lead.
Back to the story…now David was on his way to the battleground, carrying refreshments…
David did just as his father had instructed. He was standing there talking to his brothers when he heard a loud cry. It was Goliath again, issuing his challenge, and all of the men were afraid. But today was different; this was day 41.
Goliath’s position had changed because of the fear of the men. In verse 8, he said, “Choose a man ‘to come down to me.'” He was at the bottom of the mountain looking up. But look at verse 25.
So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”
Did you notice that Goliath was now coming up the mountain? That’s right, this brother was so bold that he crossed over the ravine and was coming up on Israel’s side. If you tolerate Goliath long enough, he’ll take over your territory. He’ll move into your camp. He’ll reside in your home, on your job, and at your school. He’ll insert himself into your marriage and your relationships. Instead of your thoughts being on God and what He says concerning your life, you begin to focus on Goliath—that challenge or circumstance. And that makes the giant seem even bigger. The test seems harder and harder. We cannot afford to tolerate giants, we have to kill them. Give them no place in your life.
Everyone was afraid, except for David because he knew that God would prevail on his behalf. Fear cancels out faith; they cannot coexist. We have to learn how to be all in with God. David knew Who was on his side. He wasn’t the least bit afraid. This is something that youthfulness brings: the ability to take risks and believe without question. As we get a little older, we begin to get motivated by fear instead of being shaped by faith. We start to use our own logic and what we think should work instead of relying on the Word of God. And look at verse 28:
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”
The Manna Chef 