Strength in Weakness

In Hebrews 11, we find a list of great men and women of faith who accomplished incredible things for the Lord. In verse 34b, we read that they “were made strong” “out of weakness” and “became valiant in battle.”

When we think of David, there is typically one battle he fought that comes to mind more than any other. This battle has epitomized similar conflicts throughout history, where the underdog triumphs over the expected victor: David versus Goliath.

In 1 Samuel 17, we read that the Philistines gathered for battle against Israel (vv. 1–2). Goliath, who stood more than nine and a half feet tall, was the Philistines’ champion. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing approximately 150 pounds (v. 5) and carried a spear with an eighteen-pound iron spearhead (v. 6). This menacing figure challenged the armies of Israel: “Choose one man to come down here and fight me” (NLT, v.8). “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (v.11). Saul himself was too afraid to fight Goliath. The Spirit of God no longer dwelt in him because of his sins, and he knew that without God, there was no way to overcome the giant.

Understanding Our Weakness Increases Our Dependence

God uses those who recognize their weakness and dependence on Him. As mentioned earlier, the writer of Hebrews explains that the heroes of faith “were made strong out of weakness.” God loves using those people who realize that, with their own abilities, knowledge, and strength, they can do nothing of lasting value.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of recognizing and accepting our weakness apart from God. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he writes, “… a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9a). He then continues in verse 10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” In other words, when we understand our weakness and rely on God, then we are made strong through His strength.

Goliath drew near and taunted the Israelites “forty days, morning and evening” (1 Samuel 17:16). Each day the Israelites arose in fear and went to bed afraid, not knowing who would volunteer to fight the giant. Then God brought a young shepherd boy, David, to the battlefield. He heard Goliath’s threats and taunts for himself. While all the other soldiers fled in fear (v. 24), David remained firm and responded, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26b). What a different perspective he had! Those who heard David’s words reported them to Saul, who called for David to be brought before him. David then told the king that he would volunteer to fight the giant.

Though David was willing to fight, King Saul didn’t think he had a chance against Goliath. Saul only saw his outer appearance and age. When others looked at David, all they saw was a young, inexperienced man. In reality, he was a servant of God, with the Holy Spirit’s favor upon him. David did not volunteer to fight Goliath out of arrogance or pride. He did not think that he could defeat the giant with his own strength or skill. He looked back on his own life, remembered how God had helped him in the past, and was convinced that God could help him again. He knew that if he fought in his own strength, he would surely fail. Humanly speaking, he was weak by comparison; but through God’s power, He would surely overcome. Therefore, he boldly proclaimed to King Saul, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). David was fully dependent on God. He knew that any victory would be the display of God’s power through his weakness.

God Demonstrates His Power Through Our Weakness

I once came across a quote which says, “True power doesn’t come from size and strength, but from reliance on God.” After David shared his confidence in God’s deliverance, Saul said to him, “Go, and the Lord be with you” (1 Samuel 17:37b). Saul then clothed David with his own armor and sword, but they were too heavy and cumbersome for him (v. 38). This did not dissuade David from entering the battle without them. He trusted in God’s protection and strength.

Likewise, God wants us to remain dependent on Him and His leading so that He can demonstrate His power through us. That’s why God often chooses to work mightily through people whom society would deem weak. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

When David came out to fight Goliath, the giant came out toward him. However, when he saw David’s outer appearance, he taunted him saying: “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (1 Samuel 17:43b). Nonetheless, David confidently replied, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you … Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” (vv. 45-46a, 47). We know how the story continues: with one stone slung from a sling, Goliath came crashing down. After watching David finish off the giant with his own sword, the Philistines fled. The shepherd boy prevailed just as he said he would because he relied on God’s power and not his own. By using someone who seemed obviously incapable of the task, God’s made His work and power all the more evident.

The heroes of faith “were made strong” “out of weakness.” God uses those who recognize their weakness apart from Him. When they understand their limitations, they also understand their dependence on God and their need for His strength.

Though no one among the Israelites was willing to face the Philistines’ champion, David, the underdog, was willing—not because of pride or confidence in his own abilities, but because he knew that God was with him. He knew that all things are possible for those who trust in the Lord, no matter how great the adversary may appear. David refused to trust in human armor and weapons because he knew they would hinder God’s work through him.

Likewise, God wants us to remove everything that hinders His work in us so that we may rely more fully on Him. Though outwardly vulnerable, David had the almighty God working through him and he faced his adversary with immovable faith. God used his faithful instrument to glorify His own power, and He wants to use us in the same way.

David Knelsen
Hamilton, On