Finding Confidence in Our Victory

When David slew Goliath, the tide turned so dramatically that Israel put the stumbling Philistines to flight. David prevailed over the Philistines with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. “There was no sword in the hand of David…. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way” (1 Samuel 17:50-52, ESV).

An important short phrase in this passage is, “There was no sword in the hand of David.” God proved himself faithful through David’s trust, and that filled every Israelite soldier with faith. All mockery and shame were gone, and the Israelites’ confidence returned that their God would do battle for them. 

The profound effect of seeing God’s power work on our behalf is that our confidence is renewed to enter the fray. The battle belongs to the Lord. We are empowered to follow, saying, “Lord, you haven’t abandoned me. You allowed every setback, even the taunts, and you did it in mercy so that I might believe you.” 

Despite this, many of us wonder, “When will the Lord move on my behalf?” 

The answer to that is that Jesus has already moved. Your victory was secured 2,000 years ago on the cross. His triumph on the cross is the same victory that puts every giant in our lives to flight.

Your marriage may be suffering, but Christ has defeated the powers of darkness arrayed against you and your spouse. Your finances may not be in order, but your Lord has prepared a future and hope for you. Your children may not lead the godly life you envision, but Jesus has purchased their salvation. We may have battles on many fronts, but Christ has secured our victory. 

Are you now able to see your foe defeated? Think of all the accusing voices you hear. You can answer them all. Jesus’s victory has put the devil to flight. Our victory is already sealed and won. Christ will demonstrate victory whenever he chooses, and the world will behold him in all his glory. All will know that the battle is not with the sword and spear but with the Lord.