The reality for most of us is that at some point in our lives we will have to face some sort of giant. A giant being a fear that keeps us from being and doing what we were made for, a past hurt or issue that has left it’s scars, or having to acknowledge a weakness, sickness, or lack we have in some area of our lives. These things are a bit like having a big, fat, ugly giant obstructing our path. If we are ever going to walk in our destiny and move forward we are going to have to acknowledge our giant’s existence and then choose to either ignore, retreat, (which means the giants win) or face them down.
David (who’s story is recounted in the bible) as a young man knew what it was to face his fears, weaknesses and his giant. While everyone else in the army were quaking in their boots at the sight of Goliath their enemies champion, David stood his ground and chose to face this fearsome giant of a man and fight him. The reason He was able to do this is because David had been prepared by God out in the fields as he shepherded his fathers sheep. As he’d build his relationship with God and chose to face and overcome his fears against loneliness, lions and bears he discovered God, His ways and His protection. As a result He knew that God was with him as he faced another enemy – the giant Goliath.
“David said to the Philistine, “you come against me with sword and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)
However just as David would have discovered, it’s not initially in the big battles that we gain strength and courage to face our “giants”, but in the smaller everyday encounters, circumstances and momentary troubles we all face which attempt to push and challenge us. It’s in these encounters that we build our faith and giant fighting trust muscles.
Strength to face our giants comes by not backing down or away from our daily challenges; the things that might make our heart race or cause us to be nervous, that confront us, or cause unwanted stress and pressure. As we face these “giants” down we are made stronger and more able to face our circumstances with courage and resolve. The more we step forward instead of retreating, the stronger and more confident we become and the less likely we are to be forced into retreating in defeat the next time we are faced with a bigger fear, difficulty and giant in our life, no matter their size.
Today encourage yourself in God’s promises to be found in God’s Word for in it He promises to give you His presence, power, protection, and provision. He’s got all you need and will help you to face down your giants. Discern the nature of whatever has become like a giant in your life, admit these things both to yourself and to God and get your eyes off these issues and onto Jesus as you ask him to help you at your point of need.
Finally ask someone to pray with you, and to uphold you in prayer as you face your “giants” head on and overcome them. Just as God was with David when he faced the lion, bear and Goliath, so too is He with all who put their faith and trust in Him.
“God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind”. (2 Tim 1:7)
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:6)
Prayer: Lord thank you that I need not be hindered or pushed down by anything or anyone for you are with me. Please help me to stand with you, to hold onto your promises and to depend on your power as I face any giant head on today and overcome them. In Jesus name Amen.
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