Trusting God In the Battle

By Gabi Bemis

“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, ‘Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.’ Then the Philistine said, ‘This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.’ On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.”—1 Samuel 17:1–11 (NIV)

One of my favorite movies as a child was Matilda. This classic Roald Dahl story is about a young girl who attends a school with a terrifying principal named Mrs. Trunchbull. Day after day, she terrorizes the children, threatening to place them in a horrible chamber called "the chokey." Just a single glance from her would paralyze the children with fear—much like the scenario we read about in today’s passage.

Goliath was a giant from an enemy nation, and he terrorized God’s people day in and day out. He was a skilled warrior, armed with heavy armor and ready to fight any brave soul who dared to challenge him. His size, weaponry, and taunts were intimidating, bringing great fear over all of Israel. Often, our own challenges, battles, and struggles can overwhelm us, causing us to focus more on their size than on God’s power.

Just as Goliath tormented God’s people, our enemy, Satan, uses tactics of fear, doubt, and intimidation to make us shrink back and cower in the face of adversity. In Ephesians 6:12 (NIV), the apostle Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Like the Israelites, we’re at war with the powers of darkness in this world, and they use fear and doubt to discourage us in our battles, keeping us from using our spiritual weapons (prayer, fasting, reading Scripture, worship, community) to fight.

Goliath defied the Israelites, challenging them. What he didn’t realize (and what the Israelites were about to experience) was that he wasn’t merely defying the Israelites; he was defying God Himself. The Israelites were intimidated, scared, and discouraged by the giant standing before them, forgetting the God who was on their side. The same God who told Moses, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14 NIV) was with them as they faced the Philistines.

In our battle against the enemy of our faith, Satan uses intimidation, fear, and doubt to distract us and weaken our faith. But the truth is, through Jesus, we’re more than conquerors. On the cross, Jesus secured our victory once and for all, so we can fight knowing we have the victory in Jesus. There’s no weapon of the enemy or trial we face that can stand against the mighty name of Jesus. So, be encouraged because God is greater, and He has overcome (Revelation 5:12).

If you feel overwhelmed by fear and worry over the “giant” that stands before you, take your eyes off it and look to your heavenly Father. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the name above all names, and remember that the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.

Pause: What lies has the enemy been telling you that have caused you to feel fearful or doubt God’s promises?

PRACTICE: Listen to the song “Mighty Name of Jesus” by Hope Darst. Reflect on the lyrics, and share with someone how they encouraged your faith.

PRAY: Jesus, thank You that You hold the final victory over fear, sin, death, and the enemy. On the cross, You declared, “It is finished,” and I can trust that this truth applies to the battles I face today. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your strength so I can stand firm and put my faith into practice as I wait for a breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.