1 Samuel 17:49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
“‘What-if’ I fall, but oh my dear “what-if” you fly.”
David faced the huge hulk who was about 9 foot and 9 inches (about 3 meters) tall. While the mighty army of Israel was cowering in a huddle, the 5-foot teenager boldly came forward to face the giant. He was rebuked by his brother Eliab (verse 28) but the vibrant young lad could not be discouraged. Even the King had no confidence in David’s ability to take down the giant. King Saul said, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” (verse 33). What-if David had missed the forehead of the indomitable monster Goliath? David did not allow the ‘what-if” questions to slow him down.
Tons of ideas, innovative concepts and dreams are buried in the tombs due to lack of courage to step out and defeat the giants. The wealthiest place on the planet is the cemetery. There lie buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were never written, and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential.” – Myles Munroe. Fear of falling and failing degenerates visions and disintegrates dreams.
Medical science has proved that gigantism is caused by a hormone disorder caused by the secretion of a growth hormone called ‘pituitary adenoma’. Pituitary tumors can cause hereditary gigantism. There is a family tree of Goliath recorded in the Bible which can be tied back to the evidence of hereditary pituitary disorder.
The fierce ginormous appearance, the pejorative mockery and the ferocious intimidation of Goliath could not stop little David from the battleline.
Three lessons from the young lad David:
- Covenant: The question “What-if” the giant swallows me alive? Could not threaten David as he was fully appraised with the covenant that God had with Israel. For the LORD your God is he that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. ‘ (Deuteronomy 20:4). Those who put their trust in Jesus come under the canopy of God’s promise. Come under the covenant.
- Challenge: “What-if” the challenge is too big for me? Could not disrupt the budding warrior as he knew that the giant is not going to face him but His God. Life’s challenges will be overwhelming if we fight it with our wisdom, might and strength. Our insurmountable mountain is only a pebble for the Lord. Transfer the challenge to God.
- Confidence: “What-if” I fail? Could not discombobulate David. David’s confidence was not in his slingshot and stones but in the promises of God. David looked at the unconquerable giant as an uncircumcised Philistine outside the covenantal cover of God. Our confidence is concealed in the covenantal promises of God and not in the crucible circumstances. Be confident of your victory.
‘What-ifs’ will derail us from inheriting the promises of God.
1 Samuel 17:50a So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone.
Prayer: Father God, may I never be terrorized by circumstances but be aware that I am under your covenantal canopy. Amen.
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