And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither?… I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart… And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:28–29.

At this juncture of scripture, David has already been anointed to be the next reigning King over Israel. However, he has lived under the radar, caring for his father’s sheep and has been the King’s minstrel when Saul was vexed with an evil spirit.

David’s father, Jesse, sent him to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers and the captains of the Israelite army. Forty days have passed and they are not any closer to defeating Goliath, not because they are incapable, but because they tremble with fear.

FEAR WILL KEEP US FROM FULFILLING THE WILL OF GOD AND SEEING A VICTORY.

When David entered the camp there was a division between him and the Israelite army. You see, everyone else saw a giant, but David saw a reproach to the God of Israel.

IT MATTERS WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS. WHEN A GIANT OF A PROBLEM STANDS IN FRONT OF YOU, MOCKING YOUR CALLING, ABILITY, AND YOUR GOD—HOW DO YOU RESPOND?

One thing I love about David is that he respected his authority; another thing I esteem is the fact that he did not manipulate opportunities to cater to himself, he simply stood up for the things of the Lord and allowed God to open doors for Him.

It is clear that Eliab does not feel the same way as I do. Eliab seems jealous of his youngest brother and lashes out and belittles him. Oftentimes, the negativity of someone we love can discourage us more than the voice of a giant in our life. However, David is resolute, and nobly declares, “Is there not a cause?”

It’s bad enough when there is a giant standing in your way, trying to discourage you. But, maybe you are combating a negative voice from someone you admire and love. Perhaps it is a family member.

What has God called you to do? What doors is He asking you to go though? There are times when others see the favor of the Lord upon us and they will lash out with the attempt to dissuade us. If you are the only one who serves God in your home, you may be made fun of, ridiculed, or maybe even persecuted.

ASK YOURSELF IN THOSE SITUATIONS, “IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?”

The plans God has for your life is greater than any negative comment someone has spoken to you. There is a greater cause, and that cause is to see a great deliverance, to fulfill God’s purpose in your life, and to one day see your family saved.