FAITH · A REFLECTION
What’s your Goliath?
David’s courage in 1 Samuel 17 calls us to face fear with faith, remember God’s faithfulness, and take the next step without carrying the battle alone.
What are you afraid to face? A conversation you've rehearsed but never had, a habit you keep returning to, or a responsibility that feels beyond you? In 1 Samuel 17, David faces Goliath with confidence in the God who has already helped him.
Whatever it is, you may have spent a lot of time measuring yourself against it. You know your limits. You know the ways you've fallen short before. It's easy to talk yourself out of trying before you've even begun.
David's story asks us to consider who we are trusting as we look at what stands before us.
Why David trusted God against Goliath
In 1 Samuel 17:32–37, David offers to face Goliath, and Saul tells him he isn't able. Saul sees David's youth and Goliath's experience. His doubts make sense from where he stands.
David answers by telling Saul about the lions and bears that threatened his father's sheep. He remembers how the Lord delivered him. That memory gives him reason to trust God with the danger in front of him.
What do you remember when you're afraid? It's often easier to remember a failure than a time you received help. Give yourself a moment to remember God's faithfulness, too: the person who stood beside you, the strength you found to keep going, the chance you were given to begin again.
Those memories won't tell you exactly how this situation will end. They can help you approach it with more than the fear you're feeling right now.
Facing fear when the outcome is uncertain
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 · ESV
When I speak about contending in faith, I mean continuing to trust God and respond to Him while there are still things you don't know. You may need to act. You may need to wait. You may need to admit that you need help.
James 1:2–4 connects the testing of faith with endurance and maturity. We see that same connection in Romans 5, in our reflection on the hope that grows through hardship.
Sometimes growth asks us to face something we've spent a long time avoiding. It might mean keeping a commitment when the excitement has worn off, or hearing a truth about ourselves that we'd rather dismiss. We can ask God for the courage to respond honestly.
Being honest about your part in the struggle
We need to think carefully about what we're calling a battle. Some pain comes from circumstances we never chose. Sometimes our own choices have hurt us or someone else. 1 Peter 4:15–16 makes a distinction between suffering for wrongdoing and suffering as a Christian.
If you've caused harm, start there. Ask for forgiveness. Make the repairs you can. Accept that rebuilding trust may take time. God's mercy gives us a reason to come out of hiding and take responsibility.
If you're facing something you can't manage alone, let someone know. There is courage in telling a trusted person, “I've been struggling, and I need help.” You don't have to wait until everything falls apart to say it.
Calling on Christ as you take the next step
David went toward Goliath with a sling and five stones. My pastor has used those five stones to illustrate the name of Jesus: J, E, S, U, S. I think of that as a simple reminder to call on Christ when fear takes hold.
We won't always get the outcome we pray for. That is a difficult truth to sit with. But in Romans 8:31–39, Paul speaks about real suffering and assures us that nothing in creation can separate us from God's love in Christ.
So bring Him the thing you've been afraid to name. Tell Him where you feel unprepared. Ask for wisdom about what to do next, and be willing to receive help along the way. If you've been putting that response off, our reflection on recognizing spiritual stagnation may help you see where to begin.
You don't need to pretend the challenge is small. You can face it knowing that God sees you, loves you, and hears you when you call.