In 1935, the debate team of Wiley College, a small and unranked black
school in Texas, unexpectedly defeated the all-white championship team from the
University of Southern California. This was a classic case of the unknown
triumphing over a national giant.
When ancient Israel was in peril at the hands of the Philistines, there
was a boy named David who actually triumphed over a giant (1 Sam. 17). The
armies were drawn up on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah. They were
probably afraid of one another and decided that the outcome of the battle
should be determined by a battle of champions. The Philistines offered Goliath,
a giant (about 9’9″), but Israel could not find anyone who was worthy or brave
enough to fight. David heard of the dilemma and appealed to Saul to let him
fight Goliath (vv.32-37). Saul was reluctant, but he agreed. David, armed with
five smooth stones (v.40) and unswerving faith in the Almighty God (v.45),
triumphed over the Philistines’ national champion.
We all face giants in our lives—worry, doubt, fear, sin, and guilt. But
with limited and unlikely resources and unswerving confidence in our
all-powerful God, we too can triumph over them.
God gives us courage to challenge our giants. (RBC)
