In I Samuel 17:1-50 we can read the story of the young shepherd boy, David, killing the giant, Goliath. A recap of the story is as follows:

            David was at the camp site because his father sent him.

            David’s brother gave was scathing in his criticism of David.

            David paid no attention to his brother but continued to gather facts about the giant.

            David defended his ability to face the giant by his past successes in fighting lions and bears to protect the sheep.

            David had a faith that the same God who delivered him from the paw of the lion would save him.

            Before going into the battle, David first accepted Saul’s tunic, a coat of armor, and a bronze helmet but realized he was not comfortable in these garments and would not be able to fight. Rejecting these gifts, he wore his own clothes and took his sling shot as his weapon of choice.

            David faced the giant and slew him.

Who or What is Your Goliath?

 

            We all love stories of how the seemingly insignificant person rises to win a battle with the giant corporation or some other entity. Perhaps this is the reason that the biblical story of David and Goliath has always been so popular.

            We know the story. This young man goes forth, slays the giant and becomes great. But what happens to the person who very much wants to win, but who has no clue how to proceed?

            It seemed that the family’s immediate response to his birth defect was that this imperfection was a mark that would keep him from living his best life. My suspicion was that he wanted to fit in, to win, to be liked, but had no idea how to fight this battle. Teased by others, he withdrew into reading fantasy which led to the him being branded as lazy. Some might say lazy, but could it have been depression which often happens to people who get stuck in losing?

            Thought: We all have giants to face. They may be personal, job related, financial, and the list is probably endless. Some, just as David did, might look back and draw on their successes for fighting the battle. Others, however, may have the same background as my friend where there is no success to light the way. What now?

First, Stand Tall: We can’t rewrite history, but we can rewrite the way we see our strengths and proceed from this day forward. When I looked at pictures from this man’s past, I could see that while he wasn’t as handsome as some of the boys who made fun of him, he was nice looking, tall which is often helpful, and since he had a nice voice, I suspected he had one then. In other words, he had strengths, and had he been able to see himself as God intended him to live rather than the way others branded him, these assets would have served him well.

In my book Chasing a Family Secret the young lawyer tells how his grandfather, also a lawyer, always said everyone’s job was as important as another’s and if you didn’t believe that just try having to dust your desks, empty the trash cans, vacuum and then clean the bathrooms before going home. You are important.

Second, Understand your battle: A friend, at the beginning of high school, realized her shyness was a detriment and made a determination to do what it took to overcome this aspect of her personality. She later embarked on a successful career that demanded speaking before people.

Third, Expect criticism: While in graduate school and soon after moving to Houston, I experienced people telling me I needed to work on my less than fashionable appearance. While trying to improve myself I was saddened and shocked by criticism from a person whose opinion I valued. It would be a while before I realized that it is often those closest to us or whose appraisal we desire who can be the most belittling. That same individual may fear that if we improve, we won’t need them, or they will no longer be important to us. There’s also a sense of power in knowing that you can make another either feel better or worse with words. It takes a strong person to encourage another.

Fourth, Focus: My sense is that once David started asking questions about the giant, he became single minded about the fight. My dog, Bailey, is a good example of being able to focus when something is important. Every night at 9:00 he gets a treat. To make sure I don’t forget, about 8:45 he starts making his presence known, and if I don’t pay attention, he sits and stares until I serve him. Whatever it takes, he will win the battle to get that treat.

The book I was reading during lunch today was so interesting that it was a strong temptation to continue reading and neglecting what needed to be done. Reality was, however, unless I put the book down, sat at my computer, and focused, this blog post would not get written.  In order to win, we must first do the work.

Fifth, David fought his way: This young shepherd boy knew in order to win he had to do things differently. It wasn’t important to him to please others or do things the way they had always been done. I can just imagine some of the seasoned warriors rolling their eyes as the young shepherd boy chose the sling shot as his weapon of choice, while eschewing the sword.

Some battles need to be fought the tried-and-true traditional way, and then there are times that won’t work. Going along to get along may be tempting, but it can also be a dangerous path. Forging our own way successfully builds confidence, courage, and strength, and that is never easy.

Sixth, You never have to fight the battle alone:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes,

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body,

And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 5-8 (New American Standard Bible)