How Underdogs Can Win

Is there a secret to being a successful underdog? If so, the little shepherd boy, David, must have known all about it.

Goliath stood a towering 9 feet 6 inches. He had a helmet of bronze, a coat of mail, a shield and armor on his shins. For weapons, he carried a javelin of bronze, a spear (vv. 4-7) and a "sword in its sheath" (v. 51). Quite a terrifying sight. As threatening as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle with laminate armor, a chain gun, an anti-tank missile and a machine gun.

David, on the other hand, was a youth who had no helmet, no armor, no sword, no javelin and no spear. His only weapon was a sling and five smooth stones (vv. 38-40). He was clearly the underdog.

When Goliath saw him, he sneered and said, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field" (v. 44). David accepted his invitation, running quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. He put his hand in his bag, took out a stone and slung it hard into Goliath's forehead. Goliath fell to the ground and David cut off his head, using the giant's own sword (vv. 48-51). Score one...