1 Samuel 17:32 to 17:50 When we face big fears or giant problems, God gives us courage because the battle belongs to the Lord. Learn how David trusted God's past help with the lion and the bear. See David approach Goliath with a sling and five smooth stones in God's name. Remember that God is bigger than any giant problem or fear we face. The Philistine giant Goliath shouted insults at Israel's army twice a day for forty days, terrifying King Saul and all the soldiers in the Valley of Elah. A Giant with a Loud Voice In the Valley of Elah, the army of Israel stood facing the enemy army. Every morning and evening, a giant soldier named Goliath stepped forward. He stood over nine feet tall, wearing heavy bronze armor and carrying a huge spear like a weaver's beam. Goliath roared with a loud voice: 'Choose a man and let him fight me!' All the soldiers of Israel were terrified and ran away in fear. David's Faith in the Living God Young David arrived to bring bread to his older brothers. When David heard Goliath shouting insults against the army of the living God, he was not afraid. King Saul said David was just a boy, but David replied: 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.' David knew God's power was far greater than Goliath's size. The Battle Belongs to the Lord David picked up five smooth stones from the brook and put one in his sling. Goliath laughed at young David, but David shouted back: 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts! The battle is the Lord's!' David ran quickly toward the battle line, slung a stone, and it struck Goliath right in the forehead. The giant fell flat on the ground! God gave a mighty victory through a young boy who trusted him. The battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand. 1 Samuel 17:47 What weapons did young David take to face Goliath? A bronze chariot and horse A shepherd's staff, a sling, and five smooth stones A giant sword and heavy iron armor A bow and flaming arrows A shepherd's staff, a sling, and five smooth stones David refused Saul's heavy armor and took his shepherd's staff, sling, and five stones. In whose name did David say he was fighting Goliath? In King Saul's name In his brothers' name In the name of the Lord of hosts In his own name In the name of the Lord of hosts David boldly declared that he came in the name of the Lord of hosts. What does David's victory teach us about our fears? Fears are too big to overcome God is much bigger and stronger than any fear we have We should run away and hide Only big adults can be brave God is much bigger and stronger than any fear we have God gives us courage because he is greater than any giant problem we face. Whenever you feel nervous or scared this week, whisper to yourself: 'God is bigger than my fears; the battle is the Lord's!' Almighty God, thank you that you are bigger and stronger than any giant trouble in this world. Give us brave hearts like David to trust in your name wherever we go. Amen. Why was young David so confident when all the big soldiers were terrified? What is a 'giant' fear you sometimes face, and how can God help you overcome it? Instill courage in children by showing that God's power is infinitely greater than any fear or obstacle. Hold up a tiny smooth pebble next to a very tall ruler to illustrate David's small stones and Goliath's giant size. Why five stones if he only needed one? David came prepared, but God directed the very first stone right to the mark. 5 minutes hook, 12 minutes story, 8 minutes memory verse, 10 minutes application and prayer.