Moving From Insults To Result (Case Study Of David)

MOVING FROM INSULTS TO RESULT (CASE STUDY OF DAVID)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:28-50

Key Verse:

“Then answered David and said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” — 1 Samuel 17:29

Supporting Texts: Psalm 78:70-72; Psalm 75:6-7; 2 Samuel 5:3-4; Romans 8:28; James 1:12

INTRODUCTION

Insults can come in different forms: neglect, rejection, verbal attacks, or underestimation. Few things wound deeper than being dismissed by those who should recognize your potential. David’s life is a powerful testimony of how God moves a person from being overlooked and insulted to becoming a celebrated king.

Before David wore a crown, he wore rejection. Before he led a nation, he endured criticism. His journey shows that divine purpose is often born in obscurity and tested through opposition.

Moving from insults to results requires courage, faith in God’s calling, and perseverance through seasons of misunderstanding. David’s story assures us that public results are often preceded by private trials.

1. THE INSULT OF BEING OVERLOOKED

Sometimes the first insult is invisibility.

a) Not invited to the selection (1 Samuel 16:10-11)

When Samuel came to anoint a king, David was not even presented among his brothers.

b) Assigned to insignificant tasks (1 Samuel 16:11)

He was tending sheep while others were considered for greatness.

c) God sees what men ignore (1 Samuel 16:7)

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

d) Divine choice overrides human opinion (Psalm 78:70-72)

God chose David from following the ewes great with young to shepherd Israel.

Biblical Reflection:

Joseph was dismissed by his brothers and sold into slavery (Genesis 37:28), yet he was later elevated to rule in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43), showing that being overlooked does not cancel destiny.

2. THE INSULT OF CRITICISM AND MOCKERY

Criticism often precedes breakthrough.

a) Eliab’s anger (1 Samuel 17:28)

David’s eldest brother accused him of pride and mischief.

b) Underestimation by Saul (1 Samuel 17:33)

Saul doubted David’s ability to fight Goliath because of his youth.

c) Mocked by Goliath (1 Samuel 17:42-44)

The giant despised David and cursed him.

d) Responding with faith (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

David declared that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Biblical Insight:

Nehemiah faced ridicule from Sanballat and Tobiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4:1-3), yet the wall was completed in fifty-two days despite opposition (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

3. FAITHFULNESS IN HIDDEN SEASONS PRODUCES PUBLIC RESULTS

Victory in private prepares for victory in public.

a) Defeating the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36)

David had prior victories in obscurity.

b) Dependence on God (Psalm 23:1-4)

His relationship with God was cultivated in solitude.

c) Refusal of Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:38-39)

David trusted God over human systems.

d) Courage in action (1 Samuel 17:48-50)

He ran toward the giant and defeated him.

Biblical Principle:

Luke 16:10 teaches that faithfulness in little qualifies one for much. David’s shepherding faithfulness prepared him for kingship.

4. RESULTS THAT SILENCE INSULTS

When God establishes you, insults lose their power.

a) Public victory (1 Samuel 17:51)

David’s triumph over Goliath brought national recognition.

b) Divine promotion (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

Women sang of his victories.

c) Enthronement as king (2 Samuel 5:3-4)

David was eventually crowned king over all Israel.

d) Promotion comes from God (Psalm 75:6-7)

Exaltation is determined by the Lord.

Biblical Example:

Mordecai, who once sat at the king’s gate unnoticed (Esther 2:21), was later publicly honored and elevated in the kingdom (Esther 6:10-11), proving that God can reverse humiliation into honor.

CONCLUSION

David’s journey from shepherd to sovereign demonstrates that insults are temporary, but divine results are lasting. Being overlooked did not prevent his anointing. Being criticized did not cancel his courage. Being mocked did not stop his victory.

If you are presently facing neglect, criticism, or underestimation, remember David. Guard your heart, strengthen your faith, and remain diligent in hidden preparation. When God releases your result, it will silence every insult permanently.

May your private preparation produce public celebration.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me strength to endure insults without losing focus in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me remain faithful in hidden seasons in Jesus name.

3. Father, silence every voice of mockery against my destiny in Jesus name.

4. Lord, grant me courage to confront my giants in Jesus name.

5. Father, let my results speak louder than criticism in Jesus name.

6. Lord, anoint me for visible victory in Jesus name.

7. Father, prepare me privately for public promotion in Jesus name.

8. Lord, remove every limitation placed upon me by human opinion in Jesus name.

9. Father, establish me according to Your divine purpose in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my testimony glorify Your name in Jesus name.