What did you do this week that took faith to accomplish?  Was there a particular promise or truth that you held onto?

 

When you hear the story of David and Goliath, who do you picture yourself as, and why? Why do we love underdog stories, and where do you think that instinct comes from?

 

Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37 and 17:45-47. What does Goliath's challenge do to Israel, and what does that show about what they were really afraid of? Read 17:51-53. What does Israel do after Goliath falls, and how is that different from fighting to win the victory? Read 17:38-40. Why does David refuse Saul's armor, and what does that show about where his strength comes from? Read 17:45-47. Where does David say his confidence comes from, and what does he say the victory is for?

 

Read Psalm 27:1-3 and 27:7-10. How does the tone shift, and what does "do not hide your face" reveal about David's deepest fear? David asks for "one thing." How is that different from asking God to simply remove his enemies, and what does he say it gives him?

 

Read Colossians 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:57. What changes when the victory is credited to us instead of earned by us?

 

Where are you tempted to run, and what would it look like to stand there this week with a heart God strengthens?

 

What is the difference between waiting out of fear and waiting like someone who knows how the story ends?  Spend some time praying through your story and how the gospel story allows freedom from having to write the conclusion. Allow the peace of Christ to lead you to inner rest.

 

Around a TABLE:
Question: What is one giant you are facing right now, and how have you been trying to fight it?

Passage: Exodus 14:13-14 CSB, But Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD's salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. [14] The LORD will fight for you, and you must be quiet."

Promise: You do not have to fight this battle to win it. The LORD fights for you, and in Christ the victory is already yours.