Article March 27, 2017 Issue

Courage and healing

Nancy Mullen

Down through the ages, the story of David and Goliath has inspired countless readers of the Scriptures. But this tale is of particular value to anyone seeking healing through prayer, because it has much to teach us about the importance of courage in healing.

Goliath, as we learn in First Samuel, was an enemy soldier of towering proportions. Armed head to toe and spoiling for a fight, this giant challenged the Israelite army to send someone to do battle with him. “And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid” (17:24).

All were afraid except one—the shepherd boy David. Turning down the sword and heavy armor King Saul offered him, David used only a slingshot and five smooth stones. He told Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (17:45).

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