This week's newsletter from Karen

In my Bible reading today I was in 1 Samuel 17 where we find the classic story of David and Goliath. If you’ve grown up in church, you’ve more than likely heard this story hundreds of times. Is there anything new left to learn from it? For me, the answer was yes.

Most of time we approach this story from David’s perspective – facing a giant in our lives and, only by the power of God, we are able to defeat said giant.

But how does this story play out from the perspective of Goliath? The Philistines and Israel are in a battle stalemate. The Philistines have an upper hand in their hero, Goliath. Goliath, a giant man who has known battle all his life, has become the one in whom the Philistines have placed their faith for success. Goliath, so convinced in his superiority, taunts the Israelites daily to come out and try to defeat him knowing no one will come. But one day something different happens. David steps out and challenges Goliath. Didn’t Goliath think it just a bit strange that a young boy with no real weapon would come out to meet a sure death? Didn’t Goliath think it was just a bit bold of David to call upon the name of God as his power source? Did the thought even cross Goliath’s mind that he could be in big trouble? Probably not, and this is precisely when David chose to strike.

When facing the giants in our lives, it’s good to remember this story from David’s perspective by calling on the power of God to help us, but next time you are facing some “giant,” think about the situation from the giant’s perspective. Is your giant thinking anything is strange about you standing up against a sure defeat? Is your giant wondering about where your boldness is coming from? Is your giant even sensing it might be in trouble? Maybe then, it’s time to strike.