Every leader has Goliath moments. They come as a surprise with insurmountable odds and are life or career threatening. David, as a teenager, had a Goliath moment. War was inevitable.
David’s God given skill was shepherding. He was likely 5’6” tall and tried on Saul’s armor. It didn’t fit and besides he didn’t need it. “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of his Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37 NIV) Young David, had a staff, a sling shot, five smooth stones and a shepherd’s bag. Goliath was big, has all the armor and a shield bearer.
Goliath, 9’6” tall yells at David, “Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks? Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” (1 Samuel 17:42-43 NIV)
David responds, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel… and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 NIV)
David propels a rock from his sling at Goliath’s forehead. The stone burrowed into its target. Historian Robert Dohrenwent’s research suggests the rock hit Goliath at the speed and power of a modern .45 automatic pistol.
David knew God had a plan and by faith and God’s strength he proceeded. What David didn’t know is being researched by historians. “Many medical experts now believe, in fact, that Goliath had a serious medical condition. He looks and sounds like someone suffering from what is called acromegaly a disease caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Furthermore, one of the common side effects of acromegaly is vision problems.” (David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell)
Goliath saw double images. He saw two of everything. With his sight always out of focus, he would be clumsy. One Biblical historian suggests that Goliath had a shield bearer because he couldn’t coordinate walking, throwing, seeing straight and holding his own spear.
“The very thing that gave the giant his size was also the source of his greatest weakness. The powerful and the strong are not always what they seem”. (David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell)
Leadership is moving forward, trusting God when all circumstances seem insurmountable.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group