I wonder what Saul thought when David, a teen-ager, asked to go toe-to-toe with Goliath? Saul first responded like any sane observer: There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possible win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.

But David persisted. Describing his prowess with the sling (I killed lion and bear), David won Saul over. Saul responded Go, and the Lord be with you.

What changed Saul’s mind? Had he already thought that a sling and a stone might take Goliath down? Ancient armies regularly employed “slingers” in their ranks, so he was familiar with what a good thrower might accomplish. Or did David’s woo pull Saul along? Did his fear of Goliath lead Saul to this desperate measure?

Regardless, Saul gave David a shot. Which is good to remember when young people come to us with crazy ideas. It’s easy for me to poke holes in plans. I’ve seen and experienced enough failures to know what might go wrong. But youth and enthusiasm overcome problems that keep me in my chair. Often encouragement is what a young person needs the most.

David took a massive risk and Saul spurred him forward. Where do those in your world need a boost? Only David faced Goliath, but we all face tests that feel like a Goliath. Encourage others to take them on with Saul’s blessing—Go, and the Lord be with you.

1 Samuel 17 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Astrid Schaffner