Facing Your Giants
We all have giants in our lives. We all face hardships, obstacles that appear insurmountable and problems that we think are too difficult to overcome. But consider the physical giant that David defeated in I Samuel 17. The odds were stacked against David. On paper, David didn’t stand a chance against Goliath — who stood more than 9 feet tall and was a war machine. But David won. And we will win, too. So, what set David apart?
David listened to God: How much better would we be if we didn’t worry about what other people say or think about us? David’s oldest brother, Eliab, belittled David, even though he nor his two brothers were willing to stand up against Goliath (v. 28-30). Even Saul told David he had no chance against the giant (v. 33). But David didn’t listen to them. He listened to God: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak” (Ps. 85:8). Don’t listen to the naysayers. David didn’t allow the opinions of Eliab and Saul to determine what he did. It’s more important what God thinks about what you’re doing and saying.
David looked to the past: David had trusted in God before and was not let down (v. 34-37). Of course God would continue to help him: “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Ps. 9:10). God is a faithful God. He’s not going to give up on you. When you get in a tight spot, reflect on all the past battles you’ve won with God on your side. Don’t look at how far you have to go. Look at how far you’ve come. God always comes through in the clutch.
David was prepared: David went into battle prepared (v. 40). He didn’t need to be like Saul or Goliath. He needed to be David. He needed to do what he could do. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” David didn’t choose someone else’s weapon. He chose what would empower him. He played to his strengths. And he was confident (v. 41-47). God wants us, as His children, to have the same courage. David boldly faced his Goliath head on, and he won (v. 48-51). We, too, can win.
What are your giants? Some kind of giant is standing before you, taunting you, harassing you and insulting you. In any battle, it’s important to know who’s got our back. In this spiritual war, it’s God: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
