READ 1 Samuel 17
Goliath the Philistine challenges Israel”s army.

INSIGHT
When God goes to war, there are no accidents. Just as He uses Gideon and an army of
only 300 to rout the Midianite army that was “without number,” so He uses a boy with a
slingshot to rout the Philistine army. In 2 Chronicles 18:33, “a certain man drew a bow at
random,” but it “struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor.” There are no
accidents when God goes to war. We can take comfort in this fact in relationship to the
spiritual warfare in which we all find ourselves. The obstacles may seem
insurmountable. But if we are on God’s side, no foe is too great.

PRAYER
Offer to the Lord this psalm of praise as you rejoice in the power He uses in controlling the events of history:
God, we have heard with our ears —
Our ancestors have told us —
The work you accomplished in their days,
In days long ago: in order to plant them,
You displaced the nations by your hand;
In order to settle them,
You brought disaster on the peoples.  
For they did not take the land by their sword —
Their arm did not bring them victory —
But by your right hand, your arm,
And the light of your face,  
Because you were favorable toward them.  
You are my King, my God,
Who ordains victories for Jacob
(Psalm 44:1-4).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;
Do not discipline me in your wrath.  
Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;  
Heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking;  
My whole being is shaken with terror.  
And you, Lord — how long? Psalm 6:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
If I walk into the thick of danger,
You will preserve my life
From the anger of my enemies.  
You will extend your hand;
Your right hand will save me
(Psalm 138:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater courage in the midst of trials
• Your pastor
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.  
Lord, your faithful love endures forever;
Do not abandon the work of your hands
(Psalm 138:8).