Facing Giants: Trusting God's Faithfulness and Identity

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience to God Brings His Presence and Favor

When Saul chose to disobey God, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him, leaving him tormented and empty, while David, anointed in obedience, received God's favor and presence. Disobedience distances us from God, but a heart that seeks to obey Him is a heart that He draws near to, blessing it with His guidance and peace. If you sense distance from God, let this be a call to repentance and renewed obedience, trusting that He desires to be close to you and to work through you. [46:47]

1 Samuel 16:14-18 (ESV)
Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. And Saul's servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are knowingly disobeying God? What would it look like to turn back to Him in that area today and invite His presence anew?

Day 2: True Worship Is Choosing God Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Worship is not just about feelings or music, but about choosing to honor God with your heart, mind, and actions—even when life is hard or your emotions are heavy. True worship is found in the decision to praise God in the midst of confusion, pain, or exhaustion, trusting that He is worthy regardless of your circumstances. When you sing, read Scripture, or gather with others, you are declaring God's goodness over your life, even if you don't "feel" it in the moment. [48:59]

Psalm 34:1 (ESV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Reflection: When was the last time you worshiped God even though you didn’t feel like it? What is one way you can choose to worship Him today, regardless of your circumstances?

Day 3: God Uses the Humble and Willing, Not the Impressive

David was overlooked by his family and seen as just a shepherd boy, yet God saw his heart and chose him for great things. God delights in using those who are humble, faithful, and willing—even if the world sees them as insignificant. Your acts of service, no matter how small or unseen, can be the very means God uses to impact countless lives for His kingdom. [55:48]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

Reflection: What is one “small” way you can serve or encourage someone today, trusting that God can use your willingness for His greater purpose?

Day 4: The Battle Belongs to the Lord, Not to Our Strength

When David faced Goliath, he refused to rely on human armor or weapons, instead trusting fully in the Lord’s power to deliver. No matter how intimidating the giants in your life may seem, victory does not come from your own strength, resources, or strategies, but from God who fights for you. Stand firm in faith, knowing that God is able to do what you cannot, and that He is glorified when you trust Him in the face of overwhelming odds. [01:09:50]

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV)
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

Reflection: What “giant” are you facing right now that feels impossible? How can you intentionally surrender this battle to God and trust Him to fight for you?

Day 5: In Christ, You Are Perfected and Set Free

Our identity as sinners is not based on our actions, but on our nature at birth—yet Jesus came to make us new, perfecting us by His sacrifice and sanctifying us as we trust in Him. No matter your past or your failures, if you have repented and given your life to Christ, God sees you as perfected in Jesus, and He is at work making you holy. Let go of shame and self-condemnation, and choose to believe what God says about you: you are loved, forgiven, and being made new. [01:15:43]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV)
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Reflection: What past mistake or label are you still letting define you? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ today and walk in the freedom He has given you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s passage from 1 Samuel 16 and 17 draws us into the story of David’s anointing and his confrontation with Goliath. Saul, having turned away from God in disobedience, finds himself tormented and abandoned by the Spirit of the Lord. In contrast, David, a young shepherd, is chosen and anointed by God, though at first only his family knows. Saul’s spiritual emptiness becomes visible to those around him, and his servants seek relief for him through music—reminding us that worship is not just about feelings, but a deliberate act of the heart, especially when we don’t feel like it.

David’s introduction to Saul’s court is humble. He is described as skillful, valiant, and wise, but at this point, he is still a boy tending sheep. Yet, God’s favor is upon him, and even Saul recognizes something different in David. The story then shifts to the battlefield, where Goliath, a giant of intimidating stature, taunts Israel for forty days. The Israelites, including Saul, are paralyzed by fear, but David’s perspective is radically different. He sees Goliath not as an insurmountable obstacle, but as someone defying the living God.

David’s courage is not rooted in self-confidence or military experience, but in his history with God’s faithfulness. He recalls how God delivered him from lions and bears, and he trusts that God will deliver him again. David refuses Saul’s armor, choosing instead to face Goliath with only his sling, five stones, and unwavering faith. The victory that follows is not attributed to David’s skill or weaponry, but to God’s power and presence.

This narrative challenges us to examine where we place our trust when facing our own giants. Are we relying on our own resources, or are we clothed in the confidence that comes from God’s Spirit? The story also reminds us that God often uses the overlooked and the humble—like David, or even an unnamed usher who led Billy Graham to Christ—to accomplish His purposes. Our identity is not defined by our past actions or our perceived status, but by God’s calling and Christ’s perfecting work in us. In Christ, we are made new, sanctified, and empowered to stand firm, no matter what giants we face.

Key Takeaways

1. Disobedience distances us from God, but obedience draws us into His favor. Saul’s downfall began with his refusal to honor God’s commands, leading to spiritual emptiness and torment. This serves as a warning: when we persist in disobedience, we risk losing the intimacy and guidance of God’s Spirit. True blessing is found in humble, faithful obedience, even when it’s costly or countercultural. [46:22]
2. Worship is an act of the will, not just an emotional experience. While music can move our hearts, true worship is choosing to honor God even when we don’t feel like it. The most meaningful worship often happens in seasons of heaviness, confusion, or pain, when we declare God’s worthiness despite our circumstances. This kind of worship forms and strengthens our faith, anchoring us in God’s presence. [48:59]
3. God delights in using the overlooked and the humble to accomplish His purposes. David was a “nobody” in the eyes of his family and community, yet God saw his heart and anointed him for greatness. Likewise, the unnamed usher who led Billy Graham to Christ played a pivotal role in God’s kingdom. Never underestimate the significance of quiet, faithful service—God often works through those the world overlooks. [55:10]
4. Facing giants requires confidence in God’s faithfulness, not in our own strength or resources. David’s courage came from remembering how God had delivered him in the past, not from military training or impressive armor. When we encounter overwhelming challenges, we must resist the urge to trust in worldly solutions and instead rely on God’s proven faithfulness. Our victories are ultimately God’s, not ours. [67:01]
5. Our identity is not defined by our failures or our past, but by Christ’s perfecting work. Like the man who thought his actions made him a sinner, we often believe our worth is tied to what we’ve done. But Scripture teaches that in Christ, we are perfected and sanctified—not by our own merit, but by His sacrifice. Embracing this truth frees us from shame and empowers us to live boldly for God’s purposes. [75:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:22] - Introduction and Prayer
[44:50] - The Battle for Our Attention
[45:25] - Saul’s Disobedience and God’s Departure
[46:47] - The Consequences of Disobedience
[47:27] - The Power of Worship and Music
[48:59] - True Worship in Difficult Seasons
[50:35] - David’s Character and God’s Favor
[53:00] - The Story of the Unknown Usher
[55:10] - The Significance of Humble Service
[56:57] - The Challenge of Goliath
[59:13] - Giants in the Land and Israel’s Fear
[64:23] - David’s Confidence in God
[67:01] - Trusting God, Not Worldly Solutions
[69:50] - The Battle Belongs to the Lord
[75:43] - Our Identity in Christ
[77:23] - Responding in Faith and Obedience
[78:07] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 16:14–23 (ESV) — > 14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. 21 And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

1 Samuel 17:32–50 (ESV) — > 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” ... 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. ... 47 And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” ... 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV) — > For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Observation Questions

What changes do we see in Saul’s life after he disobeys God and the Spirit of the Lord departs from him? ([46:22])
How is David described by Saul’s servants before he ever fights Goliath? What qualities stand out? ([50:35])
What is David’s response when Saul tells him he is too young and inexperienced to fight Goliath? ([01:04:23])
According to Hebrews 10:14, what does Jesus’ sacrifice accomplish for those who are being sanctified? ([01:15:43])

Interpretation Questions

What does Saul’s spiritual emptiness and torment teach us about the consequences of persistent disobedience to God? ([46:22])
Why do you think God chose David, a young and overlooked shepherd, instead of someone with more obvious qualifications? ([51:06])
How does David’s past experience with lions and bears shape his confidence in facing Goliath? What does this reveal about the way God prepares us for bigger challenges? ([01:04:55])
The sermon says our identity is not defined by our past actions but by Christ’s perfecting work. How does this truth challenge the way we see ourselves and others? ([01:15:43])

Application Questions

The sermon warns that disobedience can distance us from God, just as it did for Saul. Are there areas in your life where you sense you might be resisting God’s direction? What would it look like to take a step of obedience this week? ([46:22])
David’s worship through music brought relief to Saul, but the pastor said true worship is a choice, not just a feeling. When was the last time you worshiped God even when you didn’t feel like it? What helped you do it? ([48:59])
The story of the unnamed usher who led Billy Graham to Christ reminds us that God uses humble, overlooked people. Is there a “small” way you serve that you sometimes underestimate? How might God use your quiet faithfulness? ([55:10])
When facing your own “giants,” do you tend to rely more on your own resources or on God’s faithfulness? Can you share a recent example where you had to choose between the two? ([01:07:01])
David refused Saul’s armor and chose to face Goliath with what he knew and trusted. Are there “armors” or solutions you’re tempted to put on that aren’t really from God? What would it look like to lay them aside? ([01:07:37])
The sermon said our identity is not defined by our failures or our past, but by Christ’s work. Is there a past mistake or label you struggle to let go of? How can you remind yourself of your new identity in Christ this week? ([01:15:43])
The Israelites were paralyzed by fear, but David ran toward the battle. Is there a situation in your life right now where fear is holding you back? What would it look like to move forward in faith, trusting God’s presence? ([01:11:44])

Sermon Clips

Music has an amazing power to move the heart and the mind. Raise your hand if that's true. Yeah, everybody should raise their hand. But I want to tell you that worship through song to God is not a feeling. It's an action of our hearts, giving thanks back to God. And so if you ever walked away thinking, man worship was awesome, today I could feel the presence of God in this place. It's not necessarily evil, but it may not be accurate. Because if you had an experience and God moved in your life, that's just his kindness over you saying, I am with you. Thank you for worshiping. But the true worship is when you don't feel like worshiping and you come in and you say, lord, my week has been hard, but I choose to worship you, even though my heart is heavy. My mind is confused with so many things, but I choose to worship you. That's the worship the Lord desires of us. [00:48:02] (64 seconds) #WorshipIsChoiceNotFeeling

How are you serving the Lord today? How are you ushering people to the presence of Jesus? I hope it is your desire to lay all your wants down so that you can elevate those who are around you to see the goodness of God and that you may be the conduit that God uses for the next one who will lead millions to Jesus. So David is not the king in the eyes of many people. He's a shepherd boy. But God can do something miraculous with a heart that is willing. And that's how we find David. [00:56:03] (70 seconds) #WillingHeartTransforms

If I'm an Israelite, I'm starting to get excited. This dude is talking like smack. He's not afraid of this dude. Did you hear what he just said? He used the God of angel armies. That's who I come and. Yes, let's go, David. And they're all. Hearts are pounding. Oh, I hope he can do it. Oh, I hope he can do it. David's heart isn't pounding because he's clothed properly and he knows where his strength comes from. Are you clothed properly right now? Do you know where your strength comes from? [01:10:21] (43 seconds) #StrengthFromGodAlone

I said this last week. We are right in alignment with David because we have the spirit of God abiding in us right now. And there is no Goliath. There is no giant that is in your face right now that can kill. That can take you out. It cannot happen if you belong to Jesus. What a joyful statement. You are held by the King of Kings. You are anointed by his spirit and washed by his blood. Nothing can take you out. And this is the stance David took. Let's go. Let's go. [01:11:04] (43 seconds) #NoGiantCanDefeatYou

``God won that battle. It wasn't the sword, it wasn't the stone. It wasn't the sling, it wasn't the staff. It was God who moved. Do not forget that this week. It is not anything you're doing in and of yourself. It is not any possession that you have in your hands except Jesus and his Word who loves you in this moment. [01:12:35] (37 seconds) #VictoryBelongsToGod

Your actions is not what makes you a sinner. He said, in the book of Romans, it says that sin entered into man, and in man, it gave birth to death for all people. This guy's a Chinese man. And he said, if you eat orange chicken and fried rice, does that make you more of a Chinese man? He's like, no, that's stupid. He's like, well, if you eat less orange chicken and less fried rice, does it make you less of a Chinese man? He's like, bro, shut up. Like, no. He said, you're right. You are Chinese because that's what God made you to be, and that's how you were born. And that passage says that when you were born, you were born a sinner. So it's not this action that you do, but it is, in fact, your identity. You are a sinner at birth. [01:14:10] (56 seconds) #IdentityInSinNotActions

Is there any hope for me? And he said, absolutely, there is. That is why Jesus came. That is why Christ hung on the cross. That is why he died. And that's why God allowed him to raise from the dead, conquering sin forever. And he said, so that you can be perfected. [01:15:13] (17 seconds) #HopeThroughChrist

So God is saying that he has perfected you and is sanctifying you only when you repent and give your all to him. He said, my mind was blown even more. Like I wanted to be set free by this guy. Now this guy with tattoos and all is preaching to thousands of inmates, telling them about the God who can bring perfection out of something that's imperfect. [01:16:14] (23 seconds) #PerfectionThroughRepentance

We have been bought through the blood of Jesus Christ and Lord we we say thank you with our hearts and with our with our lives today Lord we know that this week there is going to be the enemy scheming to steal to kill and destroy us but as we say that line you are bigger you are stronger and you have given us everything we need to stand firm so God I pray for us that when it gets challenging we would not retreat but we would stand fully surrender to you trusting that you put us before that situation and we're going to watch you have your way this week. [01:20:55] (49 seconds) #StandingFirmInChrist

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