1 Samuel 17 has a story that has been preached, taught, acted out on so many stages from flannel boards to platforms. It is the story about David and Goliath. Everybody loves to read about a hero, who defeats an enemy, but how many people rightly estimate who they are in this story?

It says, “Saul and the men of Israel gathered, camped and drew up battle array to encounter the Philistines.” This is what the church does every week all over the world. We gather, we camp and we draw up battle array ready to encounter the enemy. However, just like Israel, if we can be shook by a sound, the question is how will we be able to take ground?

We know the story, Goliath comes out, looking all intimidating with bronze from head to toe, but what he said is what greatly terrified them. “I defy the ranks of Israel this day, give me a man that we may fight together.” Israel was shaken by the sound of his voice as it says, “When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”

Many people are living afraid of voices they are hearing. They are being shook by a sound, that is why they cannot take ground. This is not new news, but what is also happening is when someone does not get moved by the sound, rather is there to help the team take ground, those who are fearful attack the ones who are not afraid.

David said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that should taunt the armies of the living God?” David was on team Israel, team Saul, but he was not afraid. David’s courage exposed his older brothers who were afraid.

Friends, people are arising who are not afraid, they are on our team, they are not coming to shame us or expose our fear, but to eradicate the Goliath that keeps drawing near. We must stop attacking each other, because when Goliath falls, the whole army rushes in and takes ground together. Guard your heart, so you don’t speak against those who are coming with a different spirit than you have been around, they are for you and not against you. They see Goliath for who he is and they are not spooked by his sound, they are there to help us all take ground.