I once heard a quote about David that has always resonated with me: "David is not a role model. David is a real model." This concept is crucial to understanding why David is such an important biblical character. He's not someone we should blindly emulate in every aspect of his life. Instead, David represents the raw, unfiltered human experience of seeking God.

David's life is a tapestry of highs and lows. He loves and trusts God deeply at times, yet he also grapples with profound struggles. From addictions and mood swings to relationship issues and financial problems, David experiences it all. He battles insecurities and doubts while also demonstrating remarkable faith and wielding great power. In short, David is us. He's a mirror reflecting our own complex journey of faith.

The Unmissable Story of David and Goliath

If there's one story from David's life that absolutely must be told, it's his encounter with Goliath. This narrative is so ingrained in our culture that even those who don't believe in the Bible are familiar with it. The names "David and Goliath" have become synonymous with an underdog facing an seemingly insurmountable challenge.

Let's set the scene: The Philistine army, a godless force, is attacking the people of Israel. They've instituted a brutal form of warfare where a champion from each side faces off in single combat, with the fate of entire nations hanging in the balance. Goliath, the Philistine champion, is a giant of a man. Historians estimate he stood between 8 to 12 feet tall. This skilled warrior stands on the battlefield, hurling insults and vulgarities at God's people. The Israelite army is paralyzed with fear, and not a single soldier dares to confront him.

Enter David, a young shepherd boy sent to bring food to his brothers on the front lines. When he hears Goliath's taunts, David volunteers to fight him. This sets the stage for one of the most famous underdog stories in history.

The Battle Before the Battle

Before we get to the iconic showdown, I want to focus on a critical moment that often gets overlooked - what happens in King Saul's tent before the battle. This behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals a profound truth: before there's victory on the battlefield, there must be victory in the tent. Before you see change around you, you must first see change within you.

The Power of Intimidation

Intimidation is a powerful tactic, and it's one the enemy uses repeatedly. If he can intimidate you from even showing up to the fight, then victory never has a chance to happen in your life. We see this clearly in the story of David and Goliath. The entire Israelite army is paralyzed by fear, retreating and hiding from Goliath's intimidating presence.

In our modern context, we face a different kind of Goliath - a culture that often intimidates believers from speaking truth. The pressure to conform, the fear of losing reputation or livelihood, the desire for approval - these are all forms of intimidation that can silence us. But remember, when we become silent, Goliath's voice is the only one heard.

Combating Lies with Truth

At the heart of intimidation are lie-based thoughts - what some in our culture call "limiting beliefs." These lies keep us bound, while truth sets us free. When you're feeling stuck or uncertain, ask yourself: "What lie am I believing?"

One of the most common lies is "I'm not enough." We see this in King Saul's initial response to David: "You're too young, too inexperienced." This lie can paralyze us, keeping us from stepping into the opportunities God has for us.

But here's the truth: if what you're setting out to do could be accomplished entirely by your own experience, skillset, and abilities, it's probably not big enough. God's purposes for our lives are meant to stretch us beyond our perceived limitations. They're designed to showcase His power working through us, not our own self-sufficiency.

Finding Your 'Just Right': Lessons from Goldilocks

To illustrate how we can overcome these lie-based thoughts, let's borrow from the story of Goldilocks. Just as she searched for things that were "just right," we too must find our "just right" in Christ.

Not Enough: Overcoming Insecurity

When we believe we're not enough, we become obsessed with ourselves. We spiral into insecurity, constantly comparing ourselves to others and forgetting the God who called us in the first place. But remember, we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living in us!

The key to overcoming this lie is to look backward. Reflect on what God has already done in your life. David didn't face Goliath as his first challenge - he had already conquered a lion and a bear while protecting his sheep. Your past victories, no matter how small they might seem, are evidence of God's faithfulness and your resilience.

Too Much: The Danger of Pride

On the flip side, we can fall into the trap of thinking we're "too much." This often manifests as pride or trying to be someone we're not. In the story, we see this when David tries on Saul's armor. It's too big, too heavy, and prevents David from moving freely.

Many of us do the same thing spiritually. We try to wear someone else's "armor" - adopting their style, their methods, their personality - without understanding their story or process. But just as David couldn't move in Saul's armor, we can't effectively fight our battles while pretending to be someone else.

Just Right: Embracing Who God Made You to Be

The "just right" comes when we embrace who God has made us to be. For David, this meant going into battle with his slingshot and stones - the tools he was familiar with and had used in the past. It might have seemed foolish to others, but it was authentic to who David was and how God had prepared him.

In Matthew 11, Jesus says, "Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you." This is the essence of finding your "just right" in Christ. It's not about striving to be good enough or trying to be someone you're not. It's about walking in step with Jesus, allowing Him to redeem your unique story and experiences for His purposes.

The Power of Being 'Just Right' in Christ

When I say "just right," I'm not just talking about fit or comfort. I'm referring to the profound spiritual reality of being justified and righteous in Christ. When God looks at you, He sees you as forgiven, called, and chosen. You have the righteousness of God. You're seated at the right hand of the Father. Every spiritual blessing is available to you.

This identity in Christ doesn't just make you comfortable - it makes you powerful. It's from this place of being "just right" that we can march into battle, talk back to our Goliaths, raise our voices, stand up, pray, labor, serve, and give. Not because we have the power in ourselves, but because Jesus has given us His power.

Your Goliath Will Fall

When you catch this revelation - when you get your mind and heart right in the privacy of your own "tent" - that's when Goliath will fall. And I declare that over you today: there are Davids rising up in this room, and Goliaths will fall.

• The Goliath of infidelity that has targeted your family for generations? It's falling. Your marriage will stay strong and faithful.
• The sickness that has taunted you for your entire life? Goliath will fall, and you'll see the miraculous healing power of God.
• The financial struggles that have made you feel like your dreams are dead? David in you is going to rise up, and Goliath is coming down.

Church, when we rise up, when we talk back to the spirit of intimidation, Goliath will fall and Jesus will be lifted up. So don't be scared. Don't be intimidated. Talk back. Fight back. Open your mouth and say something about your marriage, your children, your health. 

Don't let Goliath narrate your story.
Jesus has made you just. Jesus has made you right.  It's time to find your "just right" in Christ and face your Goliath with confidence.