Defeating the Giants

1 Samuel 17: 37, 44-47

and David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw the bear would deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you! The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with the sword and with a spear and with the javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.

What giants are you currently facing?

Every Israelite soldier was terrified of Goliath; the Israelites were hiding and overwhelmed with fear. Then, along comes David, a young shepherd boy who, without hesitation, courageously went into battle on their behalf. He feared nothing and no one because he was filled with the power and strength of the Lord. He was confident that the Lord was on his side and that he would be victorious. He refused the armor Saul offered because he understood that it would hinder God’s plan. Furthermore, he was convinced that God would be his shield and strength. With only a slingshot and five stones, he defeated the giant man, Goliath, with a single stone.

The giants we face in our lives may not look like Goliath, but they could overwhelm or distract us from our relationship with God. Some giants can be situational. Perhaps it’s a relationship or a medical diagnosis looming over us and appears insurmountable. David looked beyond what was in front of him. If we allow our problems to overwhelm us, it’s difficult to see a way out. Sometimes what we focus on will alter what we see: the visible physical over the unseen spiritual. God does not promise that we will be free of giants; however, when they arise, we should not let them rule over our lives. The goal of the believer is to step out in faith. We must assume an offensive posture; supernatural engagement requires motion.

We can learn so much from David. He was a man on a mission and understood that God’s glory and power would be displayed and revealed through his defeat of Goliath. When we experience a situation that could lead to capitulation, we can choose instead to obtain our authority and power from God. He is on our side, and we will triumph over any giant we encounter.

What giants has God helped you overcome in your life?

What measures will you take today to look beyond the situation and trust God?

Father God, thank you for fighting my battles. When I become overwhelmed with fear, please remind me that you are with me. Please help me step out in faith, see beyond the physical, and look to you through every situation. I pray that those who are fretful and facing overwhelming circumstances will look to you for strength and protection. There is victory in your name. May you be honored and glorified through every challenge. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture References: Exodus 9:16; Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 18:12; Jeremiah 9:23; Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 3:5, 10:4