Is the Bible still relevant today? Can we apply truths from it in this century when the words came from so long ago? Many people scoff at the Bible and feel it couldn’t possibly teach us something. It’s outdated. Well, I disagree, and I’m on a mission to prove them wrong. Let’s visit some truths and see that Ancient Words are Living Truth!

A Sling and a Stone

Dawson fell backwards. The towering figure leaning over him sneered, crooked teeth protruding. The stench from his breath caused Dawson to turn his head. Bad mistake.

The giant clamped Dawson’s chin tightly in his massive hand. “Look at me when I’m talking to you, loser. That’s what you get for taking my seat in the lunchroom.” He released his grip and laughed.

Dawson clenched his fists. It was the third time this week that Garrett had cornered him for a stupid reason. First, he chose the apple that Garrett had supposedly wanted from the cafeteria’s bowl. Second, Dawson had picked up the giant’s book when it fell out of his backpack. So much for trying to be helpful.

And now this. When will it end?

A crowd had formed a circle around the two teens. Some chanted “hit him,” while others stood in silence. A mixed bag of warriors.

Dawson glanced at his schoolmates. Everyone scattered whenever Garrett approached. No one stood up to him. Even teachers feared the massive fourteen-year-old. But today, they gathered to see how the war would end. If it would end.

Truthfully, Dawson didn’t fear Garrett—he felt sorry for the troubled teen, but how could he reach him?

Dawson brushed off his jeans and stood. The schoolyard suddenly lay in silence. A cardinal chirped nearby. A car horn honked down the street.

The small, handsome teen prayed in silence as the onlookers waited. A Bible story came to mind, and he pulled two objects out of his backpack. Not a sling and a stone, but maybe it would calm the giant and win this war.

“Here, I want you to have these.” Dawson placed them in the giant’s hand.

Garrett glanced at the possessions. His jaw dropped. He rubbed his temple and stumbled backwards like a zombie. He fell to his knees.

“Why would you want to give me these after everything I’ve done to you?”

The crowd stepped closer to get a better look.

Dawson offered his hand to help Garrett stand. “Because I want to be your friend.”

The giant placed an object in each hand. He held them out for the others to see. A Babe Ruth trading card in one and the most sought-after game card in the other.

Dawson’s sling and stone brought the giant to his knees.

Have you ever been bullied? It’s a huge problem in schools today and even in the workplace. How do we get it to end?

I wouldn’t say I was bullied when I was young, but girls certainly made fun of me. I could sense their stares and hear their snickers.

Why didn’t they like me? What’s wrong with me? These thoughts tumbled through my head like clothes in a dryer. Round and round they went.

Bullies can come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. They can be someone who might not even resemble a giant, who won’t leave us alone. It could be an impossible situation at work. What about an illness taking over our body? Or, the bully could be a situation we’re facing that threatens our well-being.

These are all giants, and we feel small with them towering over us.

What truths can we learn from the story of David and Goliath? Does it still apply today?

You betcha.

David faced Goliath head-on, without fear. Can we do the same? Remember, David had God’s army on his side. So do you and I. All we need to do is put on His armor and pray for protection.

David didn’t back down. When Goliath sneered at the young shepherd, David held his ground. He didn’t turn and flee. When you’re faced with an impossible situation or someone who just won’t let go of their hold on you, give it over to God. Then, face the situation without running.

David fought back. I’m not suggesting we throw a punch, but sometimes when our giant sees we’re serious, they might back away. If you have someone bullying you, try and reach out to them. Show them you care. Fight back with love.

David used his own resources to fight. Who would have thought a sling and a stone would take down a giant? Certainly not Goliath and his army. Ha, fooled them! Look around you. What tools can you use to help your fight? Memorized scripture? A simple card of encouragement to show your bully you care? Of course, our biggest one is our trust in God. Reach out to the only One who can truly help you. All we need is His army.

How about we face our giants the same way David did? With a simple sling and a stone. It worked for him.

How did you stand up to your bully? What sling and stone did you use? Share with us so we can encourage each other to fight the good fight.

1 Samuel 17:50 (NIV)

“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns 

How about we listen to the Voice of truth and overcome our giants?