We read in I Samuel, chapter 17, that the armies of Israel were drawn up to meet the invading Philistines when there stepped out from the ranks of the latter a huge warrior, clad in impressive armor and carrying a tremendous spear. Goliath's bold words and formidable appearance so intimidated the Israelites that not one of them would venture out to accept his challenge to single combat.
So many phases of this familiar story of David and Goliath are applicable to the individual demonstration of every Christian Scientist. Whatever form evil may assume, its methods are always the same: it always claims invulnerability and supremacy over good. "Evil is self-assertive. It says: 'I am a real entity, overmastering good,' " writes Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 186). Then she adds for our assurance: "This falsehood should strip evil of all pretensions. The only power of evil is to destroy itself. It can never destroy one iota of good."
The situation between the two armies in the story remained at a standstill until there arrived on the scene David, the young shepherd, who had been sent to inquire after the welfare of his brothers. As Goliath again came forth and called out his loud challenge, David's faith in the power of God made him certain that Goliath could not successfully "defy the armies of the living God." It was this childlike faith in God's goodness and power which enabled David to see through evil's pretensions, and later to prove them null and void.
