How do we find courage when facing the giants of life? Today we reach the thrilling climax of the battle in the Valley of Elah. In 1 Samuel, young David refuses the king’s heavy armor, stepping out with a simple sling, five smooth stones, and absolute confidence in the name of the Lord. His historic victory over Goliath catapults him into national fame, sparking a deep covenant friendship with Jonathan, but also igniting a dangerous, murderous jealousy in King Saul.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus prepares His disciples for their own upcoming battles with the world. He promises that the arrival of the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth, comforts them with the reality of his resurrection joy, and closes the Upper Room Discourse with a definitive battle cry of hope: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome ...