So, this week we’ve learned that David had genuine Fortitude, real courage, not because the battle with Goliath turned out well for him, but because David’s bravery had a reason—his unique experience fighting lions and bears—and his cause was right—he was bold in his stand for God, not for himself.

To conclude the week, let’s go back to how things turned out.  What happened when David was courageous?  He didn’t just win the fight with Goliath—there was more.

Remember, when Saul and Israel heard Goliath at first, “they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”  David then arrived at camp, but still, when Israel saw Goliath come out to challenge them, they all “fled from him and were much afraid.”  The Israelites ran away.

But, “[w]hen the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”  He slings the stone, hits Goliath between the eyes, knocks him to the ground, and then cuts off his head.  Great – so David wins.  But what happens next?

The Philistines fled, “[a]nd the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron….”  Amazing.  Other than losing Goliath, the Philistine army was no different than before; neither were the Israelites.  The only thing that changed was their courage…and the direction in which the two armies were running.

Billy Graham said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”  David didn’t just have courage that helped him to victory over Goliath—his courage multiplied a thousandfold to all the men of Israel and Judah.  Face your fears with Fortitude—you never know who else’s spine you might stiffen along the way.