This past weekend, Dave Dummitt continued Against All Odds with the story of David and Goliath. When you think about what it means to overcome unspeakable odds, the classic example is David vs. Goliath, the ultimate underdog story. David, a shepherd boy, took down a war-hardened giant in Goliath with nothing but a slingshot. It’s an inspiring story (which can be found here in 1 Samuel 17) with a truth that’s never been more relevant to us today: always remember who your God is.

 

Because David knew who his God was, he was able to face Goliath. For David, the battle had already been won even before he stepped on the battlefield because he took to heart God’s promises; he knew no matter the problem in front of him, his God was greater and would fight for him. David had incredible courage and faith, and for us in 2021, it’s a courage and faith all of us could use. 

 

Covid is exhausting and strenuous, school openings and closures are mind-spinning, marriages are falling apart, children have gone wayward, addictions are running rampant, fear has taken over our screens–the giants in front of us have grown ten times their size in just the past eighteen months. But we don’t have to cower in fear. We can stand tall and take our giants down. 

 

For many of us, we’ve simply forgotten who God is. We didn’t mean to forget or want to forget, but like crashing waves against a rock shelf, the rocks get worn down. The fears and anxieties of our days have worn down our faith, and instead of looking to God, like David did, all we see is the giant–our looming, large problem. 

 

So, what do we do? How do we get back on track, rejuvenated, and ready for battle? How do we focus on God and remember who He is? We turn to His Word, where we can read truths like this:

 

• I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. -Ephesians 1:18-20

 

• It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1

 

• Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. -John 14:1

 

• For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7

 

• So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” -Hebrews 13:6

 

• For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. -Colossians 1:13-14

 

• What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31

 

There are giants all around us, but God is a giant slayer. No matter what we’re up against–and some of us are up against a lot–let’s never forget who our God is. He is stronger. He is greater. From Him, giants run and flee. 

 

This week, as giants approach, let’s remember to keep our eyes focused on our great God. Let’s turn to His Word and read His truths. Let’s be like David and find confidence in God, knowing He has never been–and will never be–defeated