Daily Power #229

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Sam. 17:50)

As the father of both daughters and sons, I learned quickly that the movies Rocky and Disney’s Cinderella have more in common than I realized. Both main characters are big-hearted, hard-working, and good-natured, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals even when the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against them. One loses her shoe at the royal ball, and the other loses his teeth in the boxing ring.

But in the end, they both win.

All of us, kids as well as adults, love to see an underdog triumph against adversity and reach their dreams. These heroes give us hope that we can keep fighting and overcome the same kinds of obstacles in our own lives.

One of my favorite underdogs of all time was a young shepherd boy who refused to back down. Faced with a giant bully who was mocking not just David’s family and nation, but David’s God, this fearless kid wasn’t about to run away from a fight. Goliath had already killed many of the Israelites, which only made him more outrageously obnoxious. But David wasn’t scared to take on this enemy, despite the difference in their size, age, and experience.

Using his knowledge and skill from protecting his sheep from bears and lions, David refused to use conventional weapons and instead took his slingshot and left the giant face-planted in the ground. You have the same power, faith, and courage available to you through Christ.

Don’t forget, just like David, you are a giant-slayer.

Power Lift

Dear God, today help me remember that you give me all I need to overcome the giant obstacles in my life.