I love the movie “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” One scene is especially entertaining. Marion had just been kidnapped by the Nazis. Indy was frantically searching for her when he comes face to face with a large man dressed in black from head to toe with a red sash around his waist. This scimitar-wielding villain brandishes his sword and lets out an evil laugh, challenging the hero to a sword fight. Indiana Jones uses the power at his disposal. He fires one shot from his revolver and continues to look for Marion.

A few weeks ago I mentioned David facing Goliath in one of my devotions. I’m guessing most of you know the story of that young whippersnapper of an Israelite going out to face the Giant from Gath. But I would encourage you to spend a few minutes today reading (or re-reading) 1 Samuel 17.

David was not even in Saul’s army. He was just taking provisions to his brothers who were in the army. Goliath was a nine-foot-tall experienced warrior. David was a young shepherd boy taking bread and cheese to the troops.

For forty days Goliath had been taunting and challenging the Israelites to send someone to fight him. The army of Israel was too scared to do anything. David heard the taunting and thought it terrible that no one would stand up to this man making a mockery of the Lord’s chosen people. He said He would do battle with the Philistine. Everyone from his brothers and the other soldiers all the way up to King Saul told him that was ridiculous. But David was undeterred.

“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”” (1 Samuel 17:36–37)

David went down to the stream and found five smooth stones, but all it would take was one. David took his stones and sling to the field of battle. Goliath saw him and scoffed, saying he would make quick work of this “dog.” But David had some trash talk of his own, and he would back it up. One stone toss later the enemy was defeated.

He used the power at his disposal. God’s power. That was what won the battle.

The same was true at Calvary. God’s power won the battle for us all, conquering sin, death and the power of the devil for us all. Jesus paid the price so that we could have forgiveness and victory and life.

We need to use the power at our disposal. Faith in Jesus has already given us the certainty of salvation. Let’s concentrate on living like those who have been redeemed. We should not be cowering in fear. Live with the confidence David had, knowing that God is always in control.