I’m not really going to review the story; it’s one that we’ve all heard many times. I am going to focus on a couple of things that can help us as we live our lives serving our Living God.
First, when faced with your Goliaths, it is almost certain that you will receive discouragement. To make matters worse, this discouragement often comes from those who are closest to us: our family, our friends, our co-workers. When we receive discouragement we need to see if it is based on reality (really something we should not be doing), or based upon their personal issues (jealousy or fear). David’s brothers were jealous, and he didn’t let their discouragement faze him.
Second, you will also face well meaning advice. David received advice from Saul as the best way to confront Goliath – dressed in Saul’s armor. That was good for Saul, but not for David, it wasn’t his style. He trusted in God, and not in that armor to protect him. Often that advice we have been given is not good advice. Well meaning definitely, but not always good. A Godly leader considers all advice, rejects the bad and uses the good.
Put aside the discouragement, test the advice, but most of all, trust in the Lord!