This story of David and Goliath is a favorite of many children. How exciting it is to imagine a young boy confidently taking on a giant – and winning! It’s interesting to note that even before he stepped up to the line with Goliath, David had already faced opposition. In vs. 33, King Saul says, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” David will not listen to the naysayers, though. He is confident that God is on his side and that God has equipped him through his life experiences – even the most dangerous and difficult experiences – for just this moment.
Each of us has moments in life when we are called to be brave and daring. Sometimes the naysayers are the people around us, but more often, it is our own inner voice that creates doubt about our ability to rise to the challenge.
Think of a time when you were called to be brave. What doubts or fears made rising to the challenge difficult? Whose voices were encouraging? What gifts and skills did you bring to the task? How might God have equipped you through both those gifts and through other life experiences?
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the people who encourage you to step out in faith and for the inspiration of the Spirit that helps you to be brave when you need to be.