Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 8-12)نموونە

Underdog?

Ready:1 Samuel 17

Set:

This is one of the greatest underdog stories of all time.

David had seven older brothers, and he was the smallest of them. He did not look imposing at all. One day, his father requested that he take some food to his three oldest brothers, who were soldiers for Israel. While there, he heard Goliath the Philistine (a giant of a man, likely over nine feet tall), yelling insults at Israel’s army, begging them to come out and try to fight him. No one volunteered. David could not believe this giant was not only taunting Israel, but he was taunting God! He knew God was so much more powerful than this Goliath, so he said, “I will fight.” He knew this was God’s battle and God would use him to defeat the giant.

Israel’s king, Saul, asked David to wear his battle gear, but it was way too big, and David did not feel comfortable with it on. So, David went to battle with just his regular clothing, a pouch, a sling, and the confidence in God that he had earned while protecting sheep in the field from lions and bears. Before he entered the field, David picked up five smooth stones to use with his sling. Goliath laughed at David, but his laughing came to a halt after David’s rock hit him in the forehead. Goliath went down instantly to the shock and dismay of all the Philistines. David was victorious because He trusted that the battle was God’s.

Many situations in our lives can make us feel like we’re the underdog facing a giant. Maybe we are struggling to learn a new athletic skill, or our team is losing game after game. Maybe we have moved to a new place, must make all new friends and join a new team. Maybe we get sick or have a serious injury. No matter what “giant” we might be facing, we can trust God will never leave us to face any situation alone. David already had the biggest victory—he knew God was with him, whether he defeated the giant or not. And so it is for us.

Go:

1. What can you learn about competition from this story?
2. When you give your best, but still lose the game, what can that experience teach you?
3. Can you remember a time in sports (whether you were watching, playing, or even just heard about) that the underdog beat the favorite? Why do you think so many people love those stories?
4. How can knowing God has promised believers that He will never leave or forsake them help you when you feel like you are facing giants in your life?

Workout:

Psalm 91:1-16; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 43:2

Overtime:

“Lord, sometimes it feels like there are giants all around me. Help me to remember that You are with me always. Help me remember all the times You have helped me before. Thank You for arming me with Your word so I can persevere through hard times. In Your name, amen.”