One of the most, if not the most famous story in the Bible, is the one concerning a youth by the name of David and a warrior by the name of Goliath.

It is famous largely because of its central theme, which is the weak prevailing against the strong!
I would like to show you something about the story you may not have seen before. First let's look at Goliath's challenge.

"Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. "Why are you all coming out to fight?" he called. "I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!" when Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken."

1 Samuel 17:8-11 NLT

Let's note this one phrase from his challenge "but you are only the servants of Saul." Saul had a major problem, he was only selectively surrendered to God. Now let's see David's response.

"David replied to the Philistine,"you come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies-the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD'S battle, and he will give you to us!"

1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT

Okay let's note this one phrase. "I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies"

Goliath considered David and Israel just servants of Saul. Restricted to the authority and power of an earthly king. He couldn't have been more wrong! In fact so wrong it was going to cost him his head and result in a great loss for the philistines.

David on the other hand, did not see authority only as that of the earthly king. In fact, he refused the King's armour, which was a vestige of his authority, and stuck with the weapons of a shepherd surrendered to the LORD! Note, he did not say, "I come to you in the name of Saul king of Israel." He said "I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heavens Armies!" It's the surrender that makes us powerful!

Now let's quickly reflect on the most treasured psalm of all time written by this surrendered shepherd.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, (even the goliath of death does not have a chance) I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 NLT

This psalm is about the weak being made strong through surrender to our great shepherd, Jesus!

Where do you feel weak? Where does Goliath's voice boom fear into your heart? Know who's authority you are surrendered to, take on your Goliath! You don't need much. In fact, a few stones and a sling will do!

Be a servant of God and refuse to be reduced to what the Goliaths of your life want, which is a servant of Saul!