In this episode of The Collective Table, Jenell Coker continues Oceanside Sanctuary Church’s series on David with the familiar story of David and Goliath—but invites us to look beyond the simple “little guy defeats the giant” version of the story.
Jenell begins by reflecting on the way stories change depending on who tells them. Drawing from the story of her own family and Jason’s retelling of one of her childbirth experiences, she explores how stories aren't simply collections of historical facts. We emphasize different details, exaggerate to communicate how something felt, and tell stories in ways that help others experience what we experienced.
That leads into the story of David and Goliath and some of the inconsistencies found across the biblical texts. Rather than allowing those differences to undermine the story, Jenell invites us to consider why this story was told and retold so many times—and what truth it continues to offer us.
She recounts David’s encounter with Goliath: a young shepherd facing a powerful warrior, refusing Saul’s armor because it doesn't fit him, and instead relying on the skills and tools he already possesses. David faces Goliath as himself—a slinger, a shepherd, and someone who trusts that God is with him.
Jenell then places the David and Goliath story alongside Psalm 23, inviting us to see David not only as a warrior but also as an artist and psalmist. Together, these texts point toward a deeper truth: we need imagination to face the Goliaths in our lives.
Those Goliaths aren't only personal. Jenell challenges the church to imagine a world where food insecurity can be confronted, where people aren't harmed because of their gender, sex, or skin color, and where seemingly immovable injustices can actually be challenged.
The teaching closes with several questions for personal reflection:
What are the Goliaths in your life?
Is there armor you're trying to wear that isn't yours?
What skills and gifts do you already possess that can help you face the challenge?
What does it look like to experience God walking with you through the valley of the shadow of death?
Jenell is careful not to promise that every Goliath will be overcome in the way we expect. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of hope, imagination, endurance, and trusting that God is beside us—even when the outcome isn't what we hoped for.
Scripture
1 Samuel 17 — David and Goliath
Psalm 23 — “The Lord is my shepherd”
Questions to Consider
What are the Goliaths you're facing right now?
Are you trying to put on someone else's armor instead of trusting the gifts and strengths already within you?
What might become possible if you allowed yourself to imagine that change is possible?
And where do you experience—or hope to experience—God's presence as you walk through difficult valleys?
Key Takeaway
You don't have to become someone else to face your Goliath. The gifts, skills, courage, and imagination you already carry may be exactly what you need—and God is beside you in the valley.
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