Sermon Title: “Faith That Faces Giants”

Richard & Caleigh Allen
Nov 4
4 min read

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 17

Introduction

Good morning, church!

Today, we’re going to look at one of the most well-known stories in all of Scripture — David and Goliath. But this isn’t just a children’s story about courage. It’s a story about faith, preparation, and trust in God when the odds are stacked against you.

David’s Background — Faithfulness in the Field

Before David ever faced Goliath, he was a shepherd boy in Bethlehem — the youngest of eight sons of Jesse. He was ordinary, overlooked, and doing what seemed like a small job: watching sheep.

But David was faithful in that small place.

1 Samuel 17:34–36 “But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth.’”

David didn’t just sit back and let the wild animals win. He fought lions and bears with his bare hands!

Why? Because he was responsible for what God had entrusted to him. Even in obscurity, God was training David for something greater.

David’s Bravery — Courage Rooted in Trust

When David stood before Goliath — a warrior over 9 feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4) — he didn’t see an impossible obstacle. He saw a chance for God to show His power.

1 Samuel 17:45–46 “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts… This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand.’”

Notice — David’s courage wasn’t in his own ability. It wasn’t in his sling. His courage came from knowing who his God is.

When you’ve already seen God help you overcome a lion and a bear, Goliath doesn’t look so big anymore.

David’s Preparation — The Five Smooth Stones

When David went to the brook, he didn’t just grab one stone — he chose five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40).

Why five? Some might say “just in case he missed,” but Scripture gives us a deeper clue. Goliath had four brothers, and David was ready for all of them if needed.

We learn this from later passages:

2 Samuel 21:15–22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4–8 tell us about the other giants from Gath:
- Ishbi-benob (2 Sam 21:16)
- Saph (2 Sam 21:18)
- Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (1 Chron 20:5)
- Another, unnamed giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot (2 Sam 21:20)

David’s faith didn’t mean foolishness — it meant confidence with preparation. He trusted God, but he also came ready for everything that could come against him.

Victory and Inspiration — The Israelites Rise Up

When David struck Goliath and the giant fell, something changed in the atmosphere. The people of Israel — who had been paralyzed by fear for 40 days — suddenly found courage.

1 Samuel 17:52 “And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron.”

That’s roughly 8 to 10 miles (13–16 kilometers) of pursuit — from the Valley of Elah, through Shaaraim, all the way toward Gath and Ekron (the Philistine cities).

The victory of one young man’s faith sparked a national revival of courage.

David’s Trust in God — The Heart Behind the Victory

David’s trust in God wasn’t situational. He didn’t trust God just when the odds were in his favor. He trusted God because he knew Him.

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

This psalm — written by David — shows that his trust in God was the foundation of his entire life. He didn’t just know about God — he walked with Him.

Modern Application — Facing Our Giants Today

You and I may never face a literal giant with a sword and armor, but we all face giants in life:

Giants of fear, addiction, doubt, financial stress, sickness, or broken relationships.
Giants that taunt us and say, “You can’t win this one.”

But here’s the truth: When you belong to the Lord, no giant is too big, and no battle is too hopeless.

Like David:

Remember what God has already brought you through — your “lion and bear” moments.
Prepare with what God has placed in your hand — your five smooth stones.
Stand firm in faith — knowing the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47).

And when God gives you victory, let your courage inspire others around you. You never know who’s watching your faith and finding their strength because of it.