Defeating our Giants, Part 1

Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:12, NKJV)

Allow me to use David's natural example of defeating a giant to show that the same victory os possible in our spiritual lives. The reality is that none of us are currently fighting human giants with bronze helmets and javelins, but we are all battling spiritual giants who are just as real to us as Goliath was to David and the armies of Israel. Whether it be drug and alcohol addiction, pornography, sexual immorality, love of money, love of self, hatred, anger; whatever it might be, that giant can be defeated by our God... If we want it to be!

I say, 'if we want it to be" because the sad, but true, reality is that now everyone wants their giants to go away. Some people find comfort and joy in their giants; some people like them and, if that is the case, then this word is not for them. This word is for those who are sick and tired of their giants ruling their lives. This word is for the man or woman of God who tired of being held captive by their giants and are desperately seeking a way to defeat them. Being willing to face the giants is the first step in defeating them.

The children of Israel were being held hostage by Goliath. They were terrified of him; his appearance of strength and power stopped everyone who saw him from being willing to stand and face him. But not David: David stepped up immediately. He was ready; he was willing; he was confident; and truth be told, he seems a bit pissed off... for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the Living God?" (1 Samuel 17;26) This is the exact attitude we need when it comes to the giants in our lives.

Forget how big your giant is, how strong you know it to be, and how long it has existed. Just be willing to stand face to face with it, knowing the same things David knew: your God, who is infinitely more powerful than the giant you face, is standing with you. The moment we are willing to do this, we take the first step towards seeing our spiritual Goliath fall.

Prayer for today: Almighty God, stand with us as you stood with David when he fought Goliath. There are days when we feel hopeless to withstand the threats they shout at us. Surround us with your strength and protect us with you Word. Amen.