God's Heart: Discovering Strength in David's Journey
Summary
Today’s journey through 1 Samuel 16 and 17 invites us to see how God discovers, develops, and delivers His people, using the life of David as a living example. David’s story begins not with a coronation, but with obscurity—overlooked by his own family, left tending sheep while his brothers are paraded before Samuel. Yet, God’s eyes are not drawn to outward appearance or status, but to the heart. David, the youngest and least likely, is chosen because his heart is loyal to God. This is a reminder that God is always searching for those whose hearts are fully His, regardless of their background or circumstances.
David’s development is a process, not an event. Before he ever faces Goliath, he is faithful in the small, unseen places—serving as a shepherd, a musician, and a servant in Saul’s court. God uses these “in-between” seasons to shape character, build faith, and prepare for greater assignments. The battles with lions and bears in solitude become the training ground for public victory. God’s pattern is to develop us privately before He displays us publicly. Faithfulness in the mundane opens the door to the miraculous.
When David faces Goliath, he is not intimidated by the giant’s size or the armor he lacks. Instead, he draws confidence from God’s past faithfulness and refuses to fight in Saul’s armor, choosing instead the tools God has already proven in his life. The real battle is not against flesh and blood, but is fought in the name of the Lord. David’s victory is not just personal—it breaks generational strongholds and points forward to Jesus, the true and greater Son of David, who crushes the head of the enemy on our behalf.
The story also teaches us about perseverance. Breakthrough often comes after a season of waiting—on “day 41,” after 40 days of testing, trial, or delay. Whether you are in a valley, facing giants, or waiting for your own breakthrough, don’t quit. God knows where you are, He is developing you, and He will deliver you in His perfect timing. The victory belongs to the Lord, and He is faithful to complete what He has begun in you.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Selection Is About the Heart, Not the Resume
God’s eyes search for those whose hearts are loyal to Him, not those with the most impressive credentials or outward appearance. David was overlooked by everyone else, but chosen by God because of his heart. In a world obsessed with image and achievement, God’s priority remains unchanged: He values a heart that seeks Him above all else. Let your pursuit be for God’s heart, and trust that He sees and knows you, even in obscurity. [49:12]
- Faithfulness in the Small Prepares You for the Significant
David’s journey to the throne was marked by faithfulness in humble, unseen tasks—tending sheep, serving Saul, and playing music in the shadows. God often develops us in the “in-between” seasons, using ordinary responsibilities to shape extraordinary character. Don’t despise your current assignment; it may be the very ground where God is preparing you for greater things. Private victories precede public breakthroughs. [56:22]
- You Can’t Fight Giants in Someone Else’s Armor
When David refused Saul’s armor, he demonstrated the importance of authenticity and reliance on what God has already given and proven in your life. Victory comes not by imitating others, but by embracing your unique calling, gifts, and experiences. God doesn’t need you to be someone else; He wants you to be faithful with what He’s entrusted to you. Lay aside what hinders and step forward in the strength God has given you. [01:06:49]
- The Real Battle Belongs to the Lord
David’s confidence was not in his own ability, but in the name and power of the Lord. He remembered God’s past faithfulness and trusted Him for present victory. The giants we face—whether fear, addiction, generational patterns, or spiritual opposition—are defeated not by human strength, but by God’s intervention. Focus less on the size of your giant and more on the greatness of your God. [01:08:19]
- Breakthrough Comes on “Day 41”—Don’t Quit
Throughout Scripture, the pattern of 40 days or years of testing is followed by breakthrough on “day 41.” Whether you are in a season of waiting, struggle, or apparent delay, don’t give up. God’s timing is perfect, and perseverance positions you for victory. The rain will stop, the sun will rise, and the giants will fall—if you don’t quit. [01:15:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[07:48] - Celebrating God’s Provision for New Campuses
[43:28] - God’s Unexpected Open Doors
[47:03] - God Discovers by the Heart, Not Appearance
[49:12] - Lessons from David’s Anointing
[50:07] - The Value of Faithfulness in Work
[51:21] - God Prepares Us in the Mundane
[52:40] - New Beginnings and the Eighth Son
[55:06] - David’s Development: Serving Before Leading
[56:22] - Don’t Despise the In-Between Seasons
[57:12] - Private Victories Before Public Battles
[58:16] - Faithfulness Opens Doors to Opportunity
[59:00] - Facing Giants: The Story of Goliath
[01:03:42] - Overcoming Criticism and Obstacles
[01:06:49] - Authenticity: Refusing Saul’s Armor
[01:08:19] - The Battle Is the Lord’s
[01:10:56] - Breaking Generational Strongholds
[01:12:09] - Focusing on God, Not the Giant
[01:13:47] - David as a Foreshadowing of Jesus
[01:15:52] - Breakthrough on Day 41: Don’t Quit
[01:16:45] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: God Discovers, Develops, and Delivers (1 Samuel 16–17)
---
### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 16–17 (David’s anointing and the battle with Goliath)
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 (“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”)
- Acts 13:22 (“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. When Samuel came to anoint the next king, why was David not initially considered by his own family? What was David doing at the time?
[[47:03]]
2. According to the sermon, what qualities did God look for in David that set him apart from his brothers?
[[49:12]]
3. What were some of the “in-between” roles and tasks David was faithful in before facing Goliath?
[[56:22]]
4. How did David respond when Saul offered him his armor before the battle with Goliath?
[[01:06:49]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God prioritize the heart over outward appearance or impressive credentials when choosing people for His purposes? How does this challenge the way people usually make decisions?
[[49:12]]
2. The sermon says God develops us in “in-between” seasons. Why might God use ordinary, unseen tasks to prepare someone for greater things?
[[56:22]]
3. What does it mean that “the battle is the Lord’s” in the context of David and Goliath? How does this change the way we view our own struggles?
[[01:08:19]]
4. The sermon mentions “breakthrough comes on day 41.” What is the significance of waiting and perseverance in the Christian life, according to the examples given?
[[01:15:52]]
---
### Application Questions
1. David was overlooked by his family but chosen by God because of his heart. Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated? How does knowing God sees your heart encourage you in those moments?
[[49:12]]
2. Think about your current responsibilities—at work, at home, or in church. Are there “small” or “unseen” tasks you’ve been tempted to despise? How might God be using these to prepare you for something greater?
[[56:22]]
3. David refused to wear Saul’s armor and chose to fight Goliath with what God had already given him. Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to imitate others instead of being authentic? What would it look like to “lay aside” what doesn’t fit you and step forward in your own calling?
[[01:06:49]]
4. The sermon says the real battle is not against flesh and blood, but is fought in the name of the Lord. What “giants” are you facing right now (fear, addiction, family patterns, etc.)? How can you shift your focus from the size of your problem to the greatness of God?
[[01:08:19]]
5. The idea of “day 41” is that breakthrough comes after a season of waiting or testing. Are you in a season where you’re waiting for God to move? What helps you persevere and not quit during these times?
[[01:15:52]]
6. David’s victory over Goliath broke generational strongholds and pointed forward to Jesus. Are there patterns or struggles in your family or life that you want to see broken? What step can you take this week to trust God for victory in that area?
[[01:10:56]]
7. The sermon ended with a prayer of surrender and asking God for victory. Is there an area of your life where you need to surrender control and ask God to fight for you? What would it look like to do that this week?
[[01:16:45]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to give each person a heart after His, faithfulness in the small things, and courage to trust Him for victory over their giants.
Devotional
Day 1: God Looks at the Heart, Not the Outward Appearance
God is not impressed by outward appearances, status, or achievements, but instead seeks those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. While people may judge by what they see on the outside, God searches for loyalty, humility, and a genuine desire to follow Him. No matter your background or how others may overlook you, God sees your heart and is ready to use you when you are surrendered to Him. [49:12]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been more focused on outward appearances than cultivating a heart for God, and how can you intentionally shift your focus this week?
Day 2: Faithfulness in Small Things Prepares Us for Greater Things
God develops His people through faithfulness in everyday, often unnoticed tasks, using these moments to prepare them for greater opportunities ahead. David was faithful as a shepherd, musician, and servant long before he became king, and it was in these humble roles that God shaped his character and skills. Do not despise your current assignment or the “in-between” seasons; God is using them to prepare you for what’s next. [56:22]
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Reflection: What is one small, daily responsibility you can approach with renewed faithfulness today, trusting that God is using it to prepare you for something greater?
Day 3: Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness Fuels Present Courage
When facing new giants or challenges, recalling how God has delivered you in the past gives you courage and confidence for today’s battles. David remembered God’s help with the lion and the bear, which strengthened his faith to face Goliath. Let your memory of God’s faithfulness become the foundation for bold steps of faith in the present. [01:03:42]
1 Samuel 17:37 (ESV)
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!”
Reflection: Think of a specific time when God brought you through a difficult situation—how can remembering that victory encourage you to trust Him with a current challenge?
Day 4: Fight Your Battles in the Name of the Lord
Victory over life’s giants does not come by human strength, talent, or borrowed methods, but by relying on God and fighting in His name. David refused Saul’s armor and instead trusted in the Lord, declaring that the battle belonged to God. You are called to face your giants not with someone else’s gifts or strategies, but with the unique abilities God has given you and with confidence in His power. [01:08:19]
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 “armor” or expectations from others do you need to lay aside so you can face your challenges in the unique way God has equipped you, trusting Him for victory?
Day 5: Don’t Quit—Breakthrough Comes After Perseverance
Breakthrough and victory often come after a season of waiting, struggle, or testing—don’t give up before your “day 41.” Just as David’s victory over Goliath came after forty days, and as many biblical stories show God’s deliverance after a period of trial, your perseverance in faith will lead to God’s breakthrough in His perfect timing. No matter how long you’ve been in the valley, keep trusting, keep praying, and don’t quit—God’s victory is on the way. [01:16:45]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to give up right now, and what is one step you can take today to persevere in faith, trusting God for your breakthrough?
Quotes
Greater is he that's in us than he that's in this world. If God be for us, who can be against us? I'm telling you, David did not feel like the underdog. David said, he's not circumcised, he doesn't have the blessing of God, he doesn't have the favor of God, he's as good as dead. [01:13:47] (16 seconds)
If you want to be discovered by God, the Bible says, watch this, in 2 Chronicles 16, for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth. What's he looking for? He is looking to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him. [00:48:48] (17 seconds)
Don't despise the in-between times of life. Don't despise the solitude out there all alone in that shepherd's field. That's when God was getting him ready. Don't despise your current assignment. God is using your present work to prepare you for a future work. [00:56:45] (20 seconds)
You come against me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you, here it is, in the name of the Lord. Listen, we wrestle not against flesh and blood. We're not gonna use weapons that are carnal, fleshly. No. But spiritual weapons that are mighty through God to the pulling down of strong coals, you fight your battles in the name of the Lord. [01:08:28] (22 seconds)
The battle is the Lord's. And what you need is King Jesus. And look at the confidence here, verse 48. When the Philistines started forward to attack him, David ran. I love this. Don't retreat. Don't run from your giants. You run and fight them. [01:09:32] (16 seconds)
Both of them have so much in common. David's very name means beloved. What did the father say? This is my beloved son in who I'm well pleased. Both of them born in Bethlehem. But Jesus is the stronger and Jesus is the greater. His father sent him on an assignment just like David. He came to his brothers and his own family did not receive him. He stood before giants. He stood before King Herod. He stood before Pilate. I tell you, he faced the devil out in the wilderness in the garden and on the cross and he ran to the battle. [01:14:16] (40 seconds)
God has a new beginning for you, but it's not going to start until you have a heart for him. And God is looking at the heart, not the outward, but the inward. I'm telling you, it's not how big your wallet is or how big your bank account is. Are you listening? It's not how big your portfolio is. It's not how big your pedigree is. It's how big your heart is for God. [00:53:54] (22 seconds)
If you are faithful in the daily task, God will give you greater opportunities. I'm saying to you, listen, God discovers us and he develops us. He knows your address. He knows where you are. And when the time is right and you least expect it, it's going to happen. [00:58:20] (18 seconds)
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