Read: 1 Samuel 16-20
Today we read the well-known story of David and Goliath, but with so much more around it. It’s a long reading, but I challenge you to read all of it.
When Samuel anointed David, God didn’t care that he was young or smaller in stature. God cared about his heart.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
If you’re not familiar with the story, spoiler alert, young and small David defeated the Philistine giant with God on his side. With God, all things are possible!
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26
Let’s look at what came before that moment. In chapter 17, David was sent by his father Jesse to bring food to his brothers in Saul’s army. David had been working in the fields with the sheep, and then he was sent to carry food, including an ephah of grain, about 30 to 40 pounds, over a long distance. He had to be tired; I know I would! Yet, when he got there, he didn’t just deliver the food and leave, he stepped up.
David volunteered to fight the giant. Which he was obviously being very brave, but this wasn’t the first time that he showed that bravery. He had already faced bears and lions while protecting his sheep. Those moments mattered as they helped prepare him. They strengthened his trust in God. So, when he stood in front of Goliath, he wasn’t relying on himself, he was relying on the same God who had already protected him before. Just like that, God protects us too, even in the dangers that we don’t always see.
“In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.” -1 Samuel 18:14
Then we see the relationship between Jonathan and David. This was a deep friendship, think bromance; one that actually helped save David’s life. Even when it put Jonathan at odds with his own father, he chose what was right. And through it all, God was still with David. God positioned, protected, and guided him.
God doesn’t just show up in the big, obvious moments like defeating giants. He’s there in the walking, the carrying, the waiting, the quiet battles that no one else sees. Thank You, God, for protecting us, loving us, strengthening us in the unseen moments, and being with us through both the hard and the easy. You are always with us. This I know to be true.
Discussion Questions
- What “small” moments might God be using to prepare you right now?
- Where might God be asking you to step up, even when you feel tired or unqualified?
- Who has God placed in your life to support, protect, and love you?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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