[December 30, 2023] Most of us heard about the Bible story of David and Goliath as children. Goliath was a giant who stood 9 feet tall and weighed over 500 pounds. He challenged the Israelites to fight him to determine which nation was superior.
Every day for forty days, twice a day, Goliath came down into the valley between the two armies and challenged one Israelite to come and fight him. But the Israelites were afraid of the Philistines’ giant Goliath.
To give you a better understanding of what David was facing. I need to define two keywords (courage and challenge). Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you; strength in the face of pain or grief. Challenge is a call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel.
What challenges did David face?
- David was small compared to giant Goliath’s height and weight.
- David was a shepherd who took care of sheep. Goliath was a warrior who fought and killed many people in battles.
- David’s weapons were a slingshot and five smooth stones. Goliath’s weapons were a sword and heavy body armor.
What made David stand taller than Giant Goliath was David’s courage. Remember the definition of courage: the ability to do something that frightens you. Courage is always fueled by “faith” in God.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith the size of a mustard seed, a seed so small.
The substance was a rock. The evidence (proof) was the rock hit Goliath in the head and killed him. The five smooth stones David had in his pouch represent what David carried in his heart to face “challenges”: (1) Faith, (2) Trust, (3) Courage, (4) Obedience, and (5) Praise.
So David ran toward Goliath with a stone-loaded slingshot to get leverage and speed. He didn’t run from the challenge but ran to it. What’s to note is that if the rock missed, David did not have enough time to reload another rock; he was too close to Goliath. Faith is also knowing when we sling the rock, God will keep that rock on the right track for our victory.
Are you facing a giant challenge? Do you have courage and faith in God? If so, what will you do with the stone God places in your hand?
We all get one. Run to your challenge and sling your stone, believing in God for your victory.
—————
Please read my books:
Sir, excellent comments about one of the most well known stories from the Bible. Your take on it – to derive the idea of courage and challenge is great. Keep up doing God’s work.
Great comment Good Dog. Yes, I love these articles from Mr. Gilliam.
Good 🐕 Dog
Thankfully for the comments. I enjoyed writing blogs to help out my friend Gen Douglas.
(1) Faith, (2) Trust, (3) Courage, (4) Obedience, and (5) Praise
Got that right, Mr. Gilliam.
Excellent article, and thank you. As the new year approaches, I hope you are a regular feature of Gen. Satterfield’s blog. Happy New Year. 🎄🥂📺🏒🎿
Boy Sue
Tks for the comments. Yes I talked to my friend Gen and he plans to have me work with him on upcoming blog. Keep you posted. Have a blessed day on purpose
❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍
To all those who are followers of my friend Gen Douglas Satterfield blog. Thanks for your comments. The comments make me as well as Gen Douglas Satterfield more focused on what can we do better the next time. Keep it up.
Hi Eddie, you da man. We love you. Keep doing what you are doing for us.
Sir, thank you for interpreting this story for us. Sometimes it is not easy to pull out the real meaning of a Biblical story. Sometimes we just cannot connect the dots. Gen. Satterfield did this in his 3-part series, “A Story of Meaning.” Part 3 is the last one and best.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/a-story-of-meaning-part-3/
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Loved this series. Altho his series on letters to his granddaughter is RAD.
Got that right Bernie.
“So David ran toward Goliath with a stone-loaded slingshot to get leverage and speed. He didn’t run from the challenge but ran to it. What’s to note is that if the rock missed, David did not have enough time to reload another rock; he was too close to Goliath. Faith is also knowing when we sling the rock, God will keep that rock on the right track for our victory.” — Eddie Gilliam. Key paragraph.
I’m becoming a great admirer of you Mr. Gilliam. You are a religous man, thanks for that. Are you a pastor, minister, or ??
Inquiring minds would like to know so we can respectfully know how to address Mr. Gilliam.
I am a elder or preacher in a church. I have been preaching since may 29, 1992. I had the pleasure to pastor while deployed to King Faud; Saudi Arabia from 15 June 1997 to 12 November 1997. I was blessed to be trained in Biblical Training under Pastor James W. Henderson at Gospel t in Minot ND for 19 years. Pastor Henderson has a Doctors Degree in Theological.
Excellent article, sir. 😊
Mr. Gilliam, as a religious man myself, I applaud you taking the time and effort write for Gen. Satterfield’s leadership blog. I believe this is one of the best leadership websites on line today. THe others are more interested in making money and sucking up dollars from us. Not Gen. Satterfield. That is why he is willing to let others write an occasional article that is obviously inside his value system. Once again, thank you! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Rev. Cain, I think we are all supportive of Gen. Satterfield and love it when he highlights others.
🙏
Rev Cain thanks for your service to your church. It’s not easy being a pastor, the sacrifice you make without something getting a thanks. I appreciate Gen Douglas Satterfield my friend for his faith in me to write blogs. I love ❤️ it. I am looking forward to doing this anytime he needs me.
Sir, another great article. I’m becoming a HUGE fan of yours. Keep giving your thoughts to Gen. Satterfield, who I understand is a friend of yours. Thank you for your service to our nation and continuing to give to our veterans in need.
Eddie, you da man!!!!!!
Beat me to the comment. Thx Darwin.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nailed it.
Hi Willy, You must be new here. Welcome.
I recommend getting a copy of Gen. Satterfield’s books. You can find the Amazon link below his article. My favorite is “55 rules for a good life.” ❤