Articles
Celebrate Past Victories
I subscribed to a Bible reading plan a few months ago titled “Giant Slayers: Ground Rules
for Overcoming Life’s Greatest Obstacles.” With our current situation, I thought I would share
one with you.
When David heard Goliath’s threats and insults, a righteous indignation rose up in his chest.
He knew he had to do something. His sense of duty and his courage caused him to begin asking
why the men were not fighting Goliath. When the king heard of David’s questions, he
summoned him to his tent. There, David confidently declared his intention to fight the giant. Saul
was less than enthusiastic about David’s idea. He told him, “There’s no way you can fight that
giant and live.” It’s not surprising that Saul would doubt David’s ability, since he was prone to
fear those who might out-shine him, but Goliath was a formidable opponent.
David’s confidence, when contrasted with the fear of the experienced Israeli army, must
have seemed laughable. Saul was an experienced warrior in his own right, yet he wasn't lining up
to fight Goliath. Saul and his men were not cowards. In fact, they were seasoned warriors who
simply recognized the challenge before them.
David did not let this discourage him. Instead, he responded to Saul by sharing a few of his
personal experiences with God. David had fought a bear and a lion and knew that God would
help him overcome the odds with Goliath too (1 Samuel 17:32-37). David used his history with
God as a defense for his future success.
Times are trying. Remember some of your past victories and celebrate them. Let them
propel you forward and remember how God has delivered you before. Just like David, He will do
it again for you! With God, we will succeed.
~ Justin Barnes (edited for space and content).
Azalea City church of Christ, Semmes, AL
