Dealing with Defiance

“‘I defy the ranks of Israel this day’. . .Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.’” 1 Samuel 17:10-45 NASB

Goliath represented a serious challenge to Israel. This giant intimidated others by his mere presence. As “champion” of the Philistines, he stood before the Israelites, filled with defiance. His taunting tone caused the Israelites to become “dismayed.” They lost confidence and so could not think clearly. And they were “greatly afraid.”

David immediately recognized Goliath’s defiance. Others felt Goliath defied Israel, but David recognized that Goliath actually had defied God. This provided a different perspective and a new way to approach the challenge. David was bold because he recognized that the real target was God Himself. His challenge was to get the Israelites to understand this fact.

Goliath was taunting “the armies of the living God.” But David was confident that God was on his side, and that he could not be defeated. He confronted the giant, not in his own strength but “in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.”

Goliath still felt invincible but David knew he would be victorious. It didn’t matter that he entered combat with only a few stones and a sling, for God was on his side.

In our own ways, we face many kinds of adversaries. Some subtle. Some confrontational. Some defiant. If we listen to them, we, too, can become disabled, intimidated, and confused.

What is the answer? Focus on God. Go into battle with faith, and the weapons He has given you (Ephesians 6:10-18). Remember that you are in a spiritual war, and that God is on your side. Don’t focus on the defiance of your adversaries. Trust in God. Be confident in Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the weapons that You have given me. I confess Your Word to be true in my life. Thank You for victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.