By: Reverend Frank I. Williams

Are you ready for the Word! 

“When the Philistines were at war against Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint.  Then Isbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant…thought he could kill David.”  2 Samuel 21:15-16b

Do you remember the story of David and Goliath?  Many of us grew up hearing and reading this story in Sunday school.  It is the valiant tale of young David as he faces this 9-foot plus giant with his slingshot and faith in God.  Well, did you know that Goliath had children?  Yes he did.  In the text above we are told that the sons of the “giant” (Goliath) were in the Philistine army.  David now meets Goliath’s son, and I am sure Goliath’s son would want nothing more than to kill the man who killed his father.  Obviously David is now well passed his youthful years.  We are told that during this battle David got faint and Goliath’s son sought to take advantage of this opportunity and take David out.

However, if you read the rest of the passage you will see that Ishi-Benoh was killed.  In fact, his other brother, his uncle (Goliath’s brother), and another giant were all defeated and killed by others in David’s army.  Isn’t this amazing.  Goliath was once this undefeatable foe that petrified the entire army of the Israelites; but now these giants are dropping like flies. 

This story teaches us a major lesson about facing our giants.  Because David defeated Goliath, it empowered others and inspired courage in them to face their giants as well.  Now they too are defeating their “Goliaths.”  Is it that they were more skilled at facing the giants than their predecessors?  No.  I think the difference was in their mind – they were no longer petrified by the giants.  The giants were now “defeatable.”  Therefore, every time they saw David they remembered that he defeated Goliath first; and if he can do it, I can do it too.  Can you hear the Rocky theme song rising in the background?

When we overcome our fears it empowers others to overcome theirs.  When we go through trying circumstances and come out victorious on the other end, other people are strengthened to face their trying circumstances as well.  Every challenge creates a memory – both in us and in those who are witnesses to our journey.  These memories of past victories then become fuel for our future.  Do you know someone who has defeated the giants in their life?  Let their victory inspire courage in you.  If they “killed” Goliath, you can too.  Don’t be afraid, only believe.  Think on these things.