David’s success in defeating Goliath with a sling and stones shows us the vital importance of bringing the right weapon to the battle. David knew his anointing and his ability. He rejected Saul’s weapons and chose the weapon he was skilled in using, recognizing the unique advantages—surprise and long-range accuracy—this weapon presented in this battle against the “unbeatable giant.” Because of this, David was able to succeed where everyone else would have failed. He was uniquely gifted to defeat his giant, and so are we.
To utilize our unique advantage like David did, we need to make sure we are using the right weapon for the battle. The way we choose to engage our giants is just as important as whether or not we choose to engage our giants. The wrong weapon may bring harm to us or those around us. It may be a hindrance when it is meant to be a help. Bring the right weapons.
David won a physical battle using a surprising weapon that was uniquely suited to defeat the giant he faced. As we fight spiritual battles, the secret to our success is often found in using an unexpected or seemingly illogical weapon. Though it doesn’t make sense to human reasoning, it is in fact God’s strategy for victory.
On one mission trip to Pakistan Leif Hetland used ‘love’ as God’s surprise weapon that day. There was a lot of hatred toward him as a westerner and Christian that day but when he listened to God’s nudging and chose to stay in the battle when things were getting dangerous, hatred was no match for it.
When facing the giants of life, it is essential that we let the Spirit guide us in choosing the appropriate weapon for each battle. Sometimes we must engage in warfare, and sometimes we must fight with peace. Sometimes we must fight with confrontation, and sometimes we must fight with humor. Sometimes we fight with strategy, and sometimes we fight with artistic creativity. David chose to fight his battle against Goliath with stones instead of a sword. But in other battles, later in his life, he did use a sword. God gave Moses a staff so he could fight pharaoh’s oppression with miracles. Solomon used the wealth and wisdom he had received from God to fight his battles. Jesus fought most of His battles with words.
Adapted from “Giant Slayers” by Leif Hetland