Facing the Giants

We may never face giants for battle as in the David and Goliath story in 1 Samuel, but there are often times when we must face problems which are greater than the day to day difficulties.  We all face our own giants, and David can teach us a few things about how to effectively handle today’s giants.

Job loss, divorce, financial problems, abuse, addictions, physical and emotional pain, illness, cancer, and death are just a few. Also, we face daily problems, which in our own mind, often become much larger than they actually are.

Regardless of the shape or size of your giant, it may resemble the demeanor of Goliath by suddenly appearing, huge and intimidating, threatening everything about our comfortable lives.  Each day Goliath taunted the Israelites.  1 Samuel 17:16 says, “For forty days the Philistine (giant) came forward every morning and took his stand.”  Those giant problems we face tend to hang around and just keep causing fear day after day.

So what lessons could be learned from a young boy who faced a giant over nine feet tall?

1.  Do not hesitate to face the problem. 

David was not a soldier.  He simply went to the battlefield delivering food to his brothers as instructed by his father.   Upon learning of the giant, David promptly volunteered to fight this huge soldier that left grown men running in fear (1 Sam 17:32).  Don’t run from your problems.  Face them head on without hesitation.  Trust that if God brings you to it, He will also bring you through it!

2.  Be determined.

When David said he would fight the giant, King Saul reminded David that he was young and Goliath was a mature, skilled soldier (1 Sam 17:33).  This did not stop a strong-minded young David.  Determination is half the battle.

3.  Be confident in God’s power.

David reflected on the previous obstacles and was certain that God would protect him from the giant. “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam 17:37).  Reflect on previous trials from which God has delivered you.  His power can conquer anything!

4.  Prepare yourself.

David did not take the armor and sword offered by the king because he wasn’t used to them.  Instead he took his staff, five smooth stones, and his sling (1 Sam 17:39).  He was now prepared to fight because these were items he used regularly.  Our weapons for facing the giants of life are prayer, scripture, and support from Christian friends.  Grab your weapons and prepare for battle!

5.   Go with courage.

David did not wait for Goliath, but instead he approached the giant.  As Goliath also moved toward him, David held his ground.  He did not run or hide, but faced the giant courageously. He proclaimed victory over the giant.  Don’t run away or stick your head in the sand. Face your giant with courage.

Often we feel powerless against our giants, but like David we have the most powerful weapon of all.  The giant had a sword, spear, and javelin.  David was armed with the power of God.  “Everyone will know that the Lord does not need weapons to rescue his people.  It is his battle, not ours” (1 Sam 17:47).  With one stone and a sling, David struck the giant in the forehead, and he fell face down on the ground dead.

Like Goliath, the giant in your life may seem undefeatable to you and others, but remember the battle is the Lords! “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Photo credit: photobucket