Intimidation in the Battle between David and Goliath

In his book, Breaking Intimidation, John Bevere quotes the epic battle between David and Goliath: the way in which Goliath (and David’s own kinsmen and family) intimidated David.

I have my own thoughts about intimidation in relation to David and Goliath – some of which, I suppose, is based on John Bevere’s take on the story.

David did not repeat faith affirmations that God would make him a ten-foot giant and a skilled swordsman. No, David simply trusted God and stepped out in faith. I'll bet David did not even know what would happen next - he didn't even have a plan. All that David knew was that he would have the victory because God was with him. Also, did you notice where the intimidation was coming from? Not just from the enemy: David was also intimidated by those on his own side - even his soldier brothers! Doesn't that sound familiar to those who are believers of the message of pure grace?

Sometimes we come to God with our plans and expect Him to bless them. We think of the most logical course of action, which is often a plan that sees us looking good in front of others, saving face, settling old scores, getting one over on the other person or making up for past mistakes and embarrassments. But a lot of the time we don't have that luxury.

God anoints us in our weakness so that His glory might be known (2 Cor. 12:9). If David was able to square up to Goliath and fight him on his own terms - David could have claimed the glory - but it wasn't the case. We ought to consider what we would be like if God answered our prayers and gave us the power and the “victory” that we often demand from Him. Is it possible that we would be just as competitive, demanding, intimidating, proud and obnoxious as those we are trying to compete with and impress?

Have you ever noticed that most of the time that Christians want to be blessed in the typical ways that the world impresses upon us? Then, we think about the spectacular miracles that we get told about in church and treat them like some sort of lottery ticket. We have the idea that if we hear about the way in which God blesses some people in unconventional ways, and if we read the right books and make the right faith confessions, our "numbers might come-up". But until that day comes - we look to God to empower us to fulfil certain criteria so that we qualify to be blessed in the conventional ways of the world. This manner of thinking creates intimidation and a sense of rejection when we don't meet those requirements – requirements that are foisted upon us by the world.

There is a balance to be struck here: on the whole, I believe we should look to God to bless us in ways that should be considered "natural". I suppose the key to this is having an open mind and not trying to fulfil certain criteria as a means to being blessed and favoured of God. See my blog entry on The Everyday Supernatural:

http://thedivinenature.blogspot.com/2009/06/everyday-supernatural.html

Just consider how long it would have taken for David to train in the military, to become big and strong, so that he could fight a physical fight with the giant. God took David, as he was, young, ruddy and good-looking, as the Bible puts it (1 Sam. 17:42).

God anointed a shepherd boy's sling and turned it into a might weapon that could defeat the strongest of foes. David did not struggle too long with Saul's armour: as soon as he could see it was not going to work - he put it aside and trusted God for his protection (1 Sam. 17:38-39). Why is it that we use faith formulas to try and strap-on the armour of the world? The armour of the world is heavy and cumbersome. Our armour is spiritual and consists of salvation, righteousness, peace, faith and truth (see Eph. 6:13-17). There is nothing more powerful than that.