David killed Goliath. End of immediate story, right? We know David went on to become king of Israel (years later), but until recently mulling over this story, I overlooked the immediate end of the story of David and Goliath. It did not end with David and Goliath.
In fact, the beheading of Goliath was just the beginning of that story. Not only did David “get after it” by killing Goliath, the entire army of Israel had to then “get after it” by rallying to the battle and fighting the Philistines until the victory was won and the spoils of war were retrieved.
What if the army had failed to rally? Obviously the giant would have been dead but the battle would not have been won.
I don’t need to give the explanation of this lesson as a type for us. It’s enough to state the facts and allow ourselves to ponder the implications.
One final thought: King Saul offered David his armor and sword, which David refused because he had not “proved it”. The covering of men, even the king, was not going to win this fight. It was the covering of God’s goodness and grace upon David that he relied on, the strong arm of the Lord his God, rather than that of men.
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events concerning denominational religion and brings that content to our readers. Here’s the latest from the United Methodist Church.
Annual Conferences voting on constitutional amendments
The UMC is currently in the process of ratifying four constitutional amendments that were passed by the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. These include: (1) regionalization of the global church structure, (2) adding “gender” and “ability” to the list of protected categories for membership, (3) a racial justice amendment, and (4) changes around clergy delegate election. wnccumc.org
The UMC’s Council of Bishops will meet in early November 2025 (Nov 3–7) to canvass the votes of the annual conferences and certify results. unitedmethodistbishops.org
Judicial Council ruling on clergy conscience and same-sex unions
The UMC’s Judicial Council (its denomination’s “supreme court” equivalent) delivered a ruling that confirms: “All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing.” arumc.org
In effect, this ruling maintains that while the broader denomination may permit same-sex unions or other changes, individual clergy cannot be compelled to perform services they conscientiously object to.
Food-pantry and social-service pressures amid federal policy shifts
In October 2025 the UM News Digest reported that UMC ministries across the U.S. are facing increased demand for food, utilities, rent assistance amid the suspension of federal food benefits. The UMC’s mission agency (the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries) and local churches are stepping up grants and pantry efforts. United Methodist News Service
What have I been learning about David and Goliath? New things coming to light: I recently read the article by Dan Kent entitled “Why Did David Pick Up 5 Stones?”. It was enlightening. David wasn’t a soft, wimpy youth who just sat around playing a harp while watching sheep.
My takeaway on this article is this. David did watch sheep, he did play an instrument and at the same time he trained himself to fight. Maybe because three of his oldest brothers were soldiers in Saul’s army, David must have had a vision for himself as a strong warrior. Apparently he did something about that vision, because he clearly let others know that while watching his father’s sheep, he had occasion to kill a lion, which had taken a lamb, by grabbing its beard and slaying it.
What weapon did he use to slay this lion? The story doesn’t say. David also killed a bear in similar circumstances. He credits the Lord for delivering him from the lion and the bear, and in truth the Lord did. And also, David was fearless. He was adept at using whatever weapon he had. He was strong physically, not some soft, untrained teenager. When he went after the lion and the bear, he was confident that he had the ability to win the battle. He knew HOW to do it! He was prepared with his weaponry when it happened. And he trusted God to back him up.
God promoted David for being diligent to train, fight his battles while watching sheep, and having the courage to get after it. David didn’t stop and pray for an hour to ask God’s direction and favor before he went after the lion or the bear which had grabbed a lamb. The circumstances demanded immediate action, and he acted.
His preparation no doubt came daily in fellowship with the Father, in practicing using his weapons, in learning from his brothers how to fight whenever he could, in keeping himself strong. You’ve no doubt heard the old saying, “the devil is in the details”. Let’s turn that upside down with “God is in the details”.
I appreciate Kent’s article on this familiar Biblical story. Kent makes the story bigger than what it’s been for me and clearer than what it was. David was strong, equipped, trained, fearless, and he trusted God to have his back. He did not hesitate to “get after it” when circumstances required. He was ready for the battle because he prepared himself daily.
What does this mean for us? If we are believers on Jesus the Christ, our daily relationship with the Father, whom we have gained access to through our Savior, as well as a basic understanding of scriptures, is our foundation. We are equipped with nine manifestations of the gift of Holy Spirit designed specifically by God to help us fight the good fight of faith and work God’s work in this world. We are also given authority in Christ to use it.
Now this doesn’t mean we are to go out and herd sheep and fight lions and bears and a Philistine giant. The picture of young David given to us carries over as a type of the spiritual. There are plenty of situations in life where we face obstacles that seem as large to us as the ones David faced.
The instruction of Ephesians 6, verses 10-18 is clear:
(KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
We are to prepare and train ourselves to face these obstacles by putting on the good news of the Gospel of Truth. We are to understand and exercise our authority and spiritual power through what the risen Lord accomplished for us, and we are to pray. We are to be ready and fearless, knowing God has our back. We are to “get after it” as circumstances require. The shield of faith belongs to us as we Take it. And we won’t hesitate to take it, like young David, when we are prepared.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is Part 4, the final part, in a new series on prayer called ‘Greater Works Than These’ by Steve Sann.
Over the years, as we reflect on the greatest principles to attribute our successes in life, our gratitude should go out to a strong faith in God, and unabashed prayer in the spirit. Hands down, developing the discipline of prayer in the spirit will be one of the most rewarding crafts we’ve mastered.
Much of life is about timing. It is about where we are, who we meet, and if we are prepared to embrace the opportunities that avail themselves—at that very point in time. Most of us have skills enabling us to walk through doors of opportunity— we just need those doors to open. Prayer in the spirit is that door opener. It corrects your timing errors. It synchronizes the gears in the machinery of your life. Then you too, like others of us, can say: “all things are working together for good.” (Romans 8:28). Sure, there are several principles fundamental to success—but this is one you really do not want to miss.
In closing, I encourage you to identify reminders that will help you to “S.I.T.” much. Find what works for you: posters, notes, watch alarms, etc. Sometimes the crazier, the more memorable! Associate routines, places, colors, even people! Have fun with it, and it will reward you.
Practice speaking out loud to expand your fluency, and then do it for a minimum duration every day. Then, learn to speak silently in your mind for extended periods. Enjoy the discipline: you will be proud of yourself when you see the rewards flowing into your life!
