Prevailing When the Odds Are Against You by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

1 Samuel 17:50-So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. The Bible says in verse 50 that David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone. He prevailed when the odds were against him. What does the word "prevail" mean? When we look through the Bible, we find there are several words that have the meaning or idea of "prevailing." Each word provides insights for us about the matter of prevailing. In this message, we take a look at four Hebrew words that carry the meaning or idea of prevailing. We show how each word is different from the others in the way it is used. David prevailed in his battle with Goliath when the odds were against him. He was strengthened by the Lord. The Lord will strengthen you too. Prevailing requires a Super Glue grip on God's promises. We are to cling to His truth, especially in those times when we face intense battles, storms, or trials. If you lose your grip, you lose your battle. Stay close in your relationship with Christ. If you are going to prevail when the odds are against you, then you need to cling to Him. Clinging to the Lord means holding tightly to Him when everything around you seems to be slipping away. It is wrapping the arms of faith around His promises and refusing to let fear, disappointment, pain, or uncertainty loosen your grip. Like a child holding firmly to the hand of a loving father in a violent storm, we cling to His presence when we cannot understand His plan. When our strength fails, His strength sustains us; when the path grows dark, His Word guides us; when our hearts tremble, His promises steady us. Beloved, don't loosen your grip on the Lord when life gets difficult—cling to Him, because the One you are holding onto will never let go of you. David prevailed because he refused to give up, to be intimidated, depressed, or discouraged, despite all the garbage he got from his brothers, as well as Goliath. With God's help, he prevailed when the odds were against him! David did not prevail because he had superior weapons; he prevailed because he had superior Help. Goliath had a sword in his hand, but David had the Lord on his side. When the Lord is your Helper, what you lack in your hand is more than compensated for by the God who stands at your side. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you can boldly proclaim Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This message was preached on Sunday night, September 13, 2026, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.