When David stepped out in the Valley of Elah that day, he wasn’t afraid.
If you don’t know the story told in 1 Samuel 17…The Israelites drew up their battle lines against the Philistines. Goliath, the nine-foot-tall champion from the Philistine army came out and taunted them for 40 mornings and evenings. He spewed threats and curses that left the Israelite soldiers shaking in their sandals. They were paralyzed with fear. No one had the courage to fight him.
The Israelites knew about God. They had heard the stories, knew the feasts, the rituals. But they had just been going through the motions, day in and day out.
One young, unlikely kid showed up. He brought God into the battle.
David remembered two things the other Israelites had forgotten. He remembered Who God is. And he remembered what God had already done.
When David heard the roar of Goliath, it reminded him he had already faced some hard times. Working as a shepherd, he had killed both a lion and a bear that had threatened his sheep. The Lord would enable him to handle this loud-mouthed giant the same way. David knew without a doubt that the God Who had helped him in the past would be with him in this time of trouble. David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…” He. Didn’t. Flinch.
Just like David, you have faced a lion and bear. Can you recall at least two insurmountable obstacles God has gotten you through, around, or over?
Were you scared? Yes.
Did it seem like it was impossible? Absolutely.
Had it weighed heavy on your heart and mind for at least 40 mornings and evenings like in the story? Without a doubt.
Did God get you through it? Well…
Oh, you may have scars, but did God get you through it? Yes, yes, He did.
That same God is ready to go into the next battle with you. That’s what David remembered in the Valley of Elah. It’s what the other Israelites had forgotten.
This Memorial Day, let’s remember those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Let’s decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed. But first and foremost, let’s remember Who God is and what He has already done. It will help us face any giants that come our way.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife, newspaper columnist, and the author of Weiner Stew: Inspiring Stories from Appalachia. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
