“And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy and of a fair countenance.” 1 Samuel 17:42 (KJV)

The Ultimate Cinderella Story

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, or “March Madness” as some of us know it, always stirs excitement. Months before the tournament, and months after it, some fans continue to talk about it. That usually causes some to reminisce about tournaments from years past.

The tournament is fun because most every year there is a team with basically no chance of winning or advancing. Yet sometimes these unknowns begin to surprise us by playing so well that they even knock out a few teams that viewed them lightly, sometimes even the larger well-known schools. I think of Bucknell and George Mason, and even a few years back to when Gonzaga first came on the scene, as well as many others who have upset and shocked many fans and teams through the years.

Looking at the Bible, I can’t help but see the ultimate “Cinderella” in the story of David defeating Goliath. This Philistine laughed at young, little David as he approached him to fight, but in the end it was David who won the battle and conquered the giant. David, a small, unknown, young man had shocked all who witnessed this glorious day as Goliath fell to the ground. David had entered the fight in full confidence and faith that God would deliver him. God had won the victory through his obedient and willing servant David.

You may be young, unknown or small in the eyes of others, but God used David, an unlikely teenager who accomplished a great and mighty task for Him. No matter how young or old you are, God can use you, as long as you put your faith, trust and confidence in Him alone.

— Jason Belcher

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com