146 Cardio: A Bold Heart, Pt. 1

David had a bold heart. And the place we see that most wondrously played out is in arguably the most famous story in all the Old Testament – the story of David and Goliath.

In 1 Samuel 17, we find the two armies – the Israelites and the Philistines – camped out on the hills on either side of a valley. Stalemated. No one wanted to give up the high ground. 

The custom in such circumstances was that each side would choose a champion to come out and they would fight to the death. The army of the survivor would be declared the winner.

The Philistines sent out Goliath draft – 9’6” tall, strong as a bull, and twice as mean.  For 40 days, morning and evening, he roars out his challenge. And for 40 days, morning and evening, the challenge went unanswered. Instead, the Israelites cowered in their tents, afraid to take on the giant.

They were content to co-exist with the giant.

Until the day David walked into camp. Upon hearing the defiant challenge, David said, “This ends today. I’ll take him on.”

Armed with a slingshot and 5 smooth stones, David walked into the valley to face the giant. Goliath mocked and taunted him, but David’s response is one we all need to remember: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Sam. 17:45, 47)

David ran quickly to attack, taking out a stone, he slung it at the giant. The stone sank into Goliath’s forehead and he fell facedown on the ground. David took the giant’s sword and cut off his head.

Pandemonium broke out as the emboldened Israelites pursued the fleeing Philistine army.

Part of why we love this story is that we thrill to see the little guy win. But I think it’s also because deep, down inside, we would all love to be giant-killers.

And the reason why? Because… life is full of giants that defy conquering.

You have your giants and I have mine – those threatening individuals, those frustrating problems, and those intimidating situations that mock your plans and block your progress.

Giants come in all shapes and sizes but the one thing they have in common is that it will take a bold heart to slay them. So where do you start?

1.     You need to name your giant.

Perhaps, as with David, it’s a person – maybe someone from your past who continues to haunt or control you. Or someone in the present who threatens you or intimidates you.

For many, the giant is named FEAR.  For others it’s INSECURITY. While others struggle with ANGER, LUST, ALCOHOL, or DEBT. 

2.     You need to consider what your giant is costing you (and your family).

What’s it costing you to co-exist with your giant?  How long are you going to pay the price of not facing up to it?

For many of us, the giant has been around for so long and seems so strong that we’ve simply resigned to live with him…and with the resulting reduced life. 

Then ask yourself: “What is my giant costing my spouse…my kids?

3.     You need to dare to believe that with God’s help this giant can be slain.

I don’t know what the Goliath is in your life.  I don’t know how big your giant is, but I’ll guarantee you this: He’s not bigger than God.

Text: 1 Samuel 17

Originally recorded on April 30, 2006, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.