“And David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him.
Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”’
– 1 Samuel 17:32 (ESV)

How do you know you’re defeated? When do you quit? On April 26, 2003, mountain-climber Aron Ralston found himself in a life or death situation. While climbing alone in Utah’s Cayonlands National Park, Ralston fell into a crevice and was pinned against the canyon wall by an 800-pound boulder. For five agonizing days, he tried to lift and break the boulder without success. Seeing no other way of survival, Ralston decided the only answer was to cut off the lower part of his arm using a utility knife. He then rappelled down a 65-foot wall and began hiking the seven miles to his vehicle. Following a chance meeting with a family of hikers, Ralston received food and water while a rescue team was called. It was reported that it would have taken thirteen men, a winch and a hydraulic jack to move the boulder and remove Ralston’s arm. Under extreme conditions, Ralston refused to give up.

The story of David and Goliath is an Old Testament classic. For forty days, a nine-foot Philistine giant named Goliath challenged someone from the Israelite army to engage him in battle. No one volunteered. It was then that the young shepherd boy David accepted the challenge. Despite the odds, there was no quit in David. He had developed great courage and fighting skills by protecting his sheep from wild animals. After taking five stones from the creek bed, David stepped on the battlefield. He boldly proclaimed that he came in the name of God and God would be victorious. With one perfect shot from his sling, David killed Goliath. The rock didn’t just hit Goliath, the Bible says, “the stone sank into his forehead!” After seeing their hero defeated, the Philistine army made a quick retreat. David did not give up—he stepped up, trusting God for the victory! David knew, even in the face of incredible odds, that if God was on his side, there was hope.

Heavenly Father, You are my only hope. Teach me to focus on You and not the giants that I face today. May I boldly proclaim Your name and expect victory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.