Abnormal

⁴⁸ So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

⁵⁵ When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” 

1 Samuel 17:48, 55

     Overall I would like to think that I am a decently brave person. I don't have too many phobias and I've done some things that terrify other people, but I can say with certainty that I am not as brave as David. Think about it. This guy was psycho-crazy brave. He shrugs off Goliath by talking about killing a lion and a bear. Not as a muscular, middle-aged master hunter, but as a scrawny teenage shepherd. He then volunteers to fight Goliath by himself. Think about that. Saul who is larger than anyone in Israel, and all of his greatest, bravest soldiers have refused to go out and fight Goliath. Then, to top it all off, David goes out to meet Goliath with no armor, no sword, no shield. The kid with just a sling starts RUNNING at the giant and topples him before Goliath can say, "Look, a rock." However, throughout all of his bravery, David never fails to give the credit to God. He recognizes that God has given him the strength and has delivered him in these times of trouble. So what do I get from all of this? It's verse 55 that stands out. After witnessing David's heroic achievement, the first thing Saul wants to know is the identity of David's dad. When I learn to trust God, I can certainly find some of the bravery and confidence that David had, but there are more important things at stake. The best part is not God's deliverance from my giant, but rather that my attitude during the battle can turn others to Him. When my heart is right and my trust is in God, I won't act "normal" in trying situations. This psycho-crazy, David-like behavior will make people desire to know how I can respond so differently. As others see God in me they will begin to see God for themselves. Like David, my behavior has the ability to make others ask, "Hey, who's his Father?"