Prevailing Against The Odds

September 25, 2023

Elijah McSwain, Sr.

1 Samuel 17:46-51 NKJV — “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So, David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore, David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

The account of David and Goliath is a prime example of being stacked against the odds. Within this account, the Israelites are being threatened by the Philistine army. David was a citizen of Bethlehem which was a city in the providence of the kingdom of Judah. The kingdom of Judah derived from Judah who was one of the sons of Jacob whose name was later changed by God to Israel (Genesis Ch. 32:28). The Philistines gathered their armies together as an act of war to come up against King Saul and Israel for battle. The Philistines had a champion on their side that stood 9 feet, 9 inches according to the calculations of scholars (six cubits and a span; cf. 1 Samuel 17:4).

Based upon the stature of Goliath, the Israelites seemed to be at a disadvantage based on such odds. Goliath stood as a formidable opponent against the Israelites who did not measure up in stature to the Philistine. When King Saul and the men of Israel heard this, they were dismayed and afraid as their current reality seemingly was not in their favor.

In the same respect, there are many things that come upon us in this life where the odds seem to be against us. Our circumstances seem to be gigantic in nature, thus, causing us to be dismayed and frightened. It feels as though our current dilemmas will overtake and overpower us. However, the courage of young David and his faith in God should remind us that we can prevail against all odds.

First let us consider that we can prevail against the odds by relying on God’s power.

Resting In The Power Of God

The idea of resting in the Lord signifies a state of trust, confidence and assurance in the Person of God to work on our behalf. Resting in God’s power frees our minds from the obstacles that we are faced with and the things that come against us. The activity of taking rest in the power of God alleviates depression, stress, worry, grief, confusion, emotional damage, spiritual weariness, mental fatigue, and meaningless human effort to the things that rise up as enemies to our well-being.

1 Samuel 17:46-51 presents several truths on how God’s people are able to prevail over our problematic issues. David first concluded that the Lord would make His presence known. According to verse 46, David stated on this day that the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hand, and that he would strike him and take his head. And on this day, he would give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

The mighty deed that God was set to perform would be evident to all the nations of the earth. His display of power would echo throughout the canvas of the entire world that the God of Israel was renown of glory, vigor, and strength.

John Gill wrote not only the land of Canaan or Palestine would recognize the power of God, but the whole earth, and all the inhabitants of it, who should hear of the fall of this giant by such means, and of the rout of the Philistine army upon it. The report of this great defeat no doubt would spread near and far. 1

In like manner, when God performs great wonders in our lives, others in our vicinity and abroad will know that God’s hand was at work. When people prevail against the odds of cancer, others will know that it was God who was at work. When individuals overcome the giant of anxiety, it will be evident to others that God was at work. When people prevail against unbearable trials, it is clear that God was actively present and at work.

Joshua 4:24 states that the activity of God in such a manner serves as the purpose for all the peoples of the earth to know that the hand of the Lord is mighty so that people may fear the Lord your God forever.

The hand of God is symbolically stated to emphasize the intervention of God in the lives of His children. When God intervenes, He declares His power and presence to aid us in our moments of desperation.

Scripture declares the intervention of God in passages such as Psalm 77:14 & Psalm 106:8. Psalm 77:14 is written "You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples." Psalm 106:8 reveals the activity of God to save His people for His name’s sake that He might make His mighty power known. David understood this; therefore, he stood firm in what God had affirmed beforehand that Goliath would succumb to his hand through the might of God. In taking a stance, God’s power would be on display for Israel and His name would be magnified in the earth.

The next point of emphasis that David understood involved him being able to prevail because the battle was the Lord’s. As outlined in verse 47 in the last clause it is written for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands. Obviously, David comprehended that the battle would not be fought in his human effort, but it would be fought in alignment with the decree of God.

The battle between David and Goliath was not a battle as it may have appeared. In the eyes of Goliath, he was facing a puny, weak, frail, and fragile Israelite. Actually, according to Scripture, Goliath was disdained and treated David as an object of contempt (cf. 1 Samuel 17:42-43). In his mind, he had determined and resolved that the battle for him would be over in a matter of seconds because he viewed David as a laughingstock of Israel. Goliath basically concluded, how could Israel send such a one to fight on their behalf. This act of engaging in warfare with David had to be a joke.

What Goliath failed to realize involved the reality that there was a mightier champion than himself who would fight through David in this battle. David served as the vessel or instrument that God would use to gain victory over the giant.

In times of spiritual, emotional, and mental warfare we need to be reminded as well that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. Our ability to prevail hinges on the fact that God is the One who fights for us.

Exodus 14:14 NKJV — “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

God is able to handle all of the odds that arise in our lives. His warlike nature conquers any unfavorable condition that we face. He will not succumb to any force. Exodus 15:3 projects forth the warlike nature of God by insinuating "the LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name." God is a mighty warrior of valor. His name speaks to His attributes. One of His names is Jehovah Gibbor that is drawn from Psalm 24:8 which is penned "the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle."

God is characterized by having superior power over all forces, those that seek to be dominant and those that are idle. As humans we are limited in our strength, therefore, we should relinquish our weak hands from trying to handle the situation and allow God to fight for us.

Deuteronomy 20:4 is informative that "the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." God is our Deliverer. David could stand firm on this truth. Therefore, he was able to gain the victory over his enemy. The fact that David defeated Goliath put the Philistines to flight. They fled because they recognized that the power of God was made manifest through David’s victory over their towering champion, Goliath. Israel’s great champion, God, put their enemies on the run. Joshua 23:10 reveals that "one man shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you."

David’s proclamation that Yahweh was the God of Israel was proven on that day before their enemies the Philistines. Thus, they ran for their dear lives due to being aware that God fought for Israel.

The last major theme to examine is that we can prevail against the odds by not being fearful.

Do Not Fear

In the writings of 1 Samuel 17:46-51, we see that David is unwavering in his positional stance to face Goliath on behalf of God and the nation of Israel. He is not unnerved by the impending clash that he is set to have with Goliath. The height of Goliath did not faze him. Goliath's demeanor did not shake him. The mockery of Goliath did not detour him. He was ready to face the enormous challenge under the guidance, authority, and might of God. David had the mindset that if God is on own our side, then we have nothing to fear. His temperament was picturesque of Romans 8:31 that states “what then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Similar to the mindset of David, we must realize that with God on our side, we can confidently face what threatens to cause fear within us. David is said to have hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine (v. 48). Who generally runs towards danger, trouble, or unpleasant situations? David. He was eager to meet his foe Goliath. He was ready to conquer his enemy in the name of the Lord.

John MacArthur penned that "David, unencumbered by armor or fear and emboldened by faith in God, ran to meet Goliath." 2

David exhibited the upmost confidence in God so that fear was not a part of the equation when challenged by Goliath. Are you confident in God when threats and opposition come your way? God’s Word reveals that we don’t need to be fearful, frightened, worried, anxious, hesitant, tense, uneasy, weak-kneed, or play chicken when Goliath type circumstances unfold in our lives. Scripture fortifies our faith when trouble unfolds with the following passages:

• Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV — “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

• Psalm 56:4 NKJV — "In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?"

• Isaiah 41:13 NKJV — "For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you."

When we learn to trust the provisions of God, we will prevail. When we resort to God as our Helper, we can face the things that attempt to invade the frame of our mind to promote fear. When we realize that God is with us in the midst of what seems to be hopeless times, we can prevail.

Don’t allow your reality to cause you to cower in fear. The enemy of your body, mind, and soul desires for you to crouch emotional due to an arousal of distress but we conquer what threatens our peace by exhibiting faith in God. Faith diminishes our fear. Therefore, trust God. Depend on God. Implore God when trouble arise.

Billy Graham made a reference to this idea, whatever the fears, encourage yourself to face them by turning them over to God. When we put our faith and trust in Him, we know He’ll never abandon us. Fear flees in the light of God’s love and power. 3

Finally, in the concluding verses of 1 Samuel 17:46-51, particularly verses 49-51, insight is given that David defeated the very thing that confronted him. God allowed him to take one of the five smooth stones from his shepherd's bag that he had previously collected to use against Goliath along with a sling that would be his weaponry (v. 40 & v. 49). As David took the stone, placed it in the sling, he slung it and struck Goliath in his forehead so that the stone sank into his forehead, and Goliath fell on his face to the earth. As Goliath laid on the ground, David took Goliath’s very own sword and slaughtered him by removing his head from the other extremities of his body.

David prevailed over Goliath by God putting an end to what confronted King Saul and the people of Israel. David had the advantage in his confrontation with Goliath. First of all, he had God on his side. Secondly, he relied upon his past experiences with God to give reassurance in his current situation. Thirdly, God allowed him to use a better tactical strategy of striking from a distance as opposed to Goliath’s method.

The Life Application Study Bible sums up the advantages that David had by stating “David was able to move faster than Goliath because David carried no heavy weapons or armor. David was an expert marksman with a sling, and as he advanced on Goliath, he stayed out of range of Goliath’s huge weapons. What made David effective, however, was more than his ability with a sling; it was his courage and his faith in God. To fight like David, we need David’s kind of fearlessness. David had grown strong in his confidence by trusting God when he had encountered wild animals while guarding his father’s sheep (17:34-37). When you face towering problems, recall how God has helped you in the past. Take heart because God gives you strength. Use the skills God has already given you and move forward.” 4

As believers, God has given us the spiritual tools and the skillset in order to be victorious. Ephesians 6:13-17 sheds light on what we need as believers in times of warfare. The biblical notion given in Ephesians declares "therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

When we are properly outfitted with the things of God, we will be prepared for the opposition that comes against us. Make sure that we are outfitted in what God has prescribed and not what we have determined ourselves. Notice David did not pursue Goliath dressed in what Saul thought was proper for battle, but David was robed with shepherd's attire for the battle between him and Goliath. We must adhere to that same standard and put on God’s armor as opposed to trying to forge our own.

According to William Evans, he alluded that the first peace of armor mentioned is the belt of truth. Certainly, we must be faithful in holding fast to the truth of God’s Word, but it is also necessary for the truth to hold us. We must apply it to our daily lives. As we test everything that comes against us by the truth, we find strength and protection in times of combat. The second piece is the breastplate of righteousness. Every believer is clothed with the righteousness of God, but he must also manifest integrity and uprightness in his personal life. When a person is clothed in practical righteousness, he is impenetrable. If our conscience is void of offense toward God and man, then the enemy has nothing to shoot at. The solider must have his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This suggests a readiness to go out with the good news of peace and which serves as a strategy to advance into enemy territory. When we relax in our tents, we are in deadly peril. Our safety is to be found in following the beautiful feet of the Savior. In addition, the soldier must take the shield of faith so that when the fiery darts of the wicked one come zooming at him, those darts will hit the shield and fall harmlessly to the ground. Faith here is firm confidence in the Lord and in His Word. When temptations burn, when circumstances are adverse, when doubts assail, and when shipwreck threatens, our faith looks up to God. The helmet God provides is salvation. No matter how hard the battle, the Christian is not daunted, since he knows that the ultimate victory is sure. Finally, the soldier takes the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Word of God helps us to overcome the adversary. 5

By dressing ourselves with God’s armor and following His directive, we can prevail by God putting an end to the things that confront us. Remembering the Word of God when we are against the odds puts an end to what confronts us. Girding ourselves with the belt of truth destroys lies of the enemy so that we may prevail. The shield of faith wards off the constant attacks of our enemies that we may prevail through being sustained by God. The fact that every believer’s dependency is of God enables us to be victorious by prevailing over hostility, health crises, financial burdens, mental imprisonment, spiritual confusion, and much more.

God is more than capable and able to dissolve whatever situation that we find ourselves in.

Several Bible verses should remind us of thus truth.

• Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV — "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell."

• Isaiah 59:19 NKJV — "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him."

• Psalm 34:19 NKJV — "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

As in the case of David, we can prevail against the odds by remembering that God’s presence is with us, the battle is the Lord’s, we can confidently face that which threatens to cause fear, and God will put an end to what confronts us.

References

1. John Gill’ Exposition Of The Bible

2. The MacArthur Study Bible

3. https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-10-quotes-from-billy-graham-on-fear/

4. The Life Application Study Bible

5. Believer’s Bible Commentary