Facing the Giants

“I am not dismayed or discouraged. I am moving forward anyway. My fear is driving me to God, and I am acting in faith, because His Divine Presence is promised. Joshua 1:9 (Personalized)

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Unknown

This week, I had a most interesting experience. As I sat taking in the sights and sounds around me, I was shown how the challenges I faced from my youth were preparing me for the person I am today. It was surreal. Straight away, my mind went to David as He stood before Saul, telling him he would face Goliath. Maybe in that moment he too saw the times where God helped him to defeat the lion and the bear as he cared for his sheep. Who knows what other challenges he faced that God helped him to overcome to be ready in that very moment to face a giant!

We find the story in 1 Samuel 17; verse 24 says that whenever the Israelites saw Goliath, they fled in great fear. In verses 28 and 29, David’s oldest brother, Eliab, is angry that David enquires about the prize for defeating the blasphemous giant. He attempts to belittle him, but a servant has already reported David’s enquiries to Saul, who sends for him. And we know the rest of the story – David faces Goliath and defeats him.

What lies behind us – David was a shepherd boy and unknown even to King Saul who cautioned him that Goliath was a warrior from his youth, and he was only a young man. (verse 33) What lies before us – Goliath, the Philistine champion, conceited and sure of himself due to his size and stature and skill.

What lies within us – “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6. Confidence in God and experiential faith. Testimonies and records of overcoming. David trusted in God and was zealous to act on His behalf. “...I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied...; for the battle is the Lord’s...” 1 Samuel 17:45-47.

I thank God for the reminder that I can face the giants in my life with confidence as I’ve overcome in times past. May you remember whose you are and what lies within you as you face your giants too. “Change is the nature of life, but challenge is the future of life. So, challenge the changes. Never change the challenges. Amitabh Bachan “I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot.” Natalie Comaneci

“Wander freely and daily through the gallery of God’s goodness. Catalogue His kindnesses. Everything from sunsets to salvation – look at what you have. – Max Lucado

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being with me and before me and inside of me when I face my giants. Help me to have courage and faith, knowing that all things are possible with You. Better still, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” In Jesus name, Amen.

“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”

“Focus on giants – you stumble. Focus on God – your giants tumble.” – Max Lucado

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” Roy T. Bennett

“By facing our challenges and overcoming them, we grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.” John Templeton

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Be blessed to be a blessing!