“Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”” I Samuel 17:37

One of the most familiar and loved stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. David a “youth”, who is taking supplies to his brothers at the front lines of Israel’s battle with the Philistines, hears the taunts of the giant, Goliath, as he challenges the soldiers. David dons the armor of Saul but discards the heavy and unfamiliar implements of war and goes out to meet Goliath with only his shepherd tools, a staff and a sling and with 5 smooth rocks. We all love an underdog and this story is one of the purest. But David does have more on his side than just his shepherd’s gear, he has the Lord God!

It is David’s faith and trust in the Lord that lets him take on the intimidating giant, Goliath. David, “a man after God’s own heart”, has been in tough situations before while tending his father’s sheep. David with God’s help has killed a lion and a bear who threatened the animals. David is confident that the Lord will help him fight this battle as well. And God does. Goliath is dropped before he even can get close enough to David to strike a blow. David triumphs, and God is glorified.

We all have “Goliaths” in our lives, those issues that seem to be bigger than us. Those “giants” that cause us to fear and worry and occupy much of our thoughts and time. I believe that I have been called to write books for children. But is it my own pride that makes me want to succeed, is that holding me back from God’s plan for me? I have also had several health issues over the years that seem to be more than I could possibly handle. I strive to be like David as I battle the “Goliaths” in my own life. But is my faith and trust strong enough?

We all have doubts, we all have fears, we all question the strength of our faith. But as we strive to be more like David, a man or woman after God’s own heart, we can lay all of these at the feet of our God. He will be with us as we tackle our “Goliaths”; our story may not be as dramatic as David’s, but we will prevail with the Lord at our side.

I do feel that I have grown closer to my God as I have written the blog posts this year. I have studied his word and prayed for guidance as I have worked to write what I hope will help or inspire others. I have learned to trust the Lord more in my life and my family’s lives. I am not nearly up to David’s standard, but I continue working toward it.

This week let’s face our “Goliaths”. Sometimes just naming them is the first step in tackling and conquering. Let’s go to our holy and powerful God and lay them at His feet. Let’s allow Him to guide and direct us and to give us the strength to tackle our “Goliaths”. And let’s give God the glory!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we all take on the “Goliaths” in our lives and strive to become men and women after God’s own heart!