1 Samuel 17:51-52
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.  And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

David had gone forward when everyone else stood back.  He was courageous when others were fearful.  He was willing when others were not.  David had determined to take on this blaspheming Philistine, and nothing was going to stop him.  He knew victory was assured because he was trusting in God, and so he went out, and God gave him that victory.  David’s brave deed and the victory he achieved encouraged the rest of the army to now go forward and fight.  When they saw what he was able to do, they were no longer afraid to enter the battle themselves.  With the stumblingblock of Goliath out of their way, now they would go claim victories of their own.

It works the same way in our lives.  We can be examples to others around us.  Our victories can encourage others to go forth with confidence into their own battles.  Our faith in God can inspire others to have faith in Him.  Witnessing God work on our behalf can encourage others that He can work in some amazing way in their own situation.  Defeating the giants we face shows others that the things they are facing are not insurmountable, not with God on their side.

So often it just takes one person to stand up for God, to be unafraid, to take a step forward.  David wasn’t the biggest or the strongest or the most experienced in battle, but he was the only one willing.  And God can do amazing things through us when we have a willing heart, as well.  And when we stand atop that slain giant, having conquered what others thought could never be overcome, something can change in their hearts.  Maybe now they’ll have the faith they need to go out and face those hard things they’ve been hiding from.

Whatever we may be facing, we can trust God to give us victory in it.  When we are able to overcome trials in our lives, surely God is honored and glorified.  And beyond that, perhaps others will be inspired to trust God for victory in their lives, as well.  So beyond reveling in our own victory, let us look for ways to use those experiences we’ve had to help others in their battles.  Let’s look for ways that others can benefit from the things we’ve learned so that they can experience those triumphs in their own lives.