A week earlier the speaker had stepped down from the pulpit certain he would never preach again, and a day before this service the phone rang with a request to preach. That confession opens a return to the valley of Elah, which was meant to be a valley of faith and became a valley of fear, as an entire army waited forty days for someone else to raise a hand (1 Samuel 17). The sermon speaks of the giants that repeat morning and evening that you will never make it, and of the armour David refused to wear. Listen if you are facing someone bigger than you today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- According to 1 Samuel 17, the valley where the armies stood was meant to be a valley of faith, because God had promised Israel the land. What turned it into a valley of fear as Goliath mocked the God of Israel morning and evening for 40 days?
- David refuses Saul's armor because he isn't used to it and goes out against Goliath in the name of the Lord of Hosts. What does this scene teach about what his courage really rested on?
- The preacher shares how a week earlier he wanted to stop preaching, yet a day before this sermon he agreed to give it. What ways of God, different from your own plans, do you see in your story?
- The Israelites waited for someone else to raise a hand and volunteer to fight. In what area of your life are you waiting for someone else to do what God is asking of you?
- The speaker says the enemy wants us to fight alone and feel isolated. What giant tells you every day that you will never make it, and who in this group could you share it with?
- The sermon reminds us that God has already given you everything you need, so you don't have to wear someone else's armor or have beautiful words in prayer. How can you trust God with your giant this week?
