Slaying Your Giants

Have you ever felt like you're facing an insurmountable challenge? A problem so big it seems impossible to overcome? We all have our "giants" – those fears, doubts, and obstacles that loom large in our lives. But what if I told you that, like David facing Goliath, you have the power to slay your giants?

The timeless story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17 isn't just about a young shepherd boy defeating a massive warrior; it's a powerful lesson in courage, faith, and overcoming the giants in our own lives.

The Setting: A Valley of Fear

Picture this: two armies facing each other across a valley, with a giant named Goliath taunting the Israelites daily. For 40 days the Israelite army had listened to the threats of him as he stood on one side doing his trash talking. Can you imagine the fear and intimidation they felt?

But then enters David, a young man who sees the situation differently. He doesn't focus on the giant's size or strength. Instead, he sees an opportunity to demonstrate God's power.

Giant #1: The Giant of Contempt

Before David even faced Goliath, he encountered another giant – the contempt of his own brother. There is some pretty significant sibling rivalry going on here among David and his oldest brother. His brother's words were like poisoned barbs:

"Why have you come down here?"
"With whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert?"
"I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is."
"You just came down here to watch the battle." (1 Samuel 17:28)

How did David respond? He simply turned away. As we mature in our lives, we mature in our Christian faith. We have to learn how to filter out the critical and judgmental voices that are designed to discourage us and to keep us from following God's plan for our lives.

Giant #2: The Giant of Uniformity

When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul tried to outfit him in traditional armor. But David knew this wasn't his path. David decided that he could not fight this battle loaded down with someone else's armor. He knew God. He knew that God had protected him in the past and that God had empowered him to win great battles.

This teaches us an important lesson: we can't rely solely on others' faith or methods. At some point, we must make our faith our own and find our unique way of facing challenges.

Giant #3: The Giant of Fear

Finally, David faced Goliath himself. While the entire Israelite army was paralyzed with fear, David saw things differently. In David's mind, Goliath was no match for God. In David's mind, the presence of the God whom he could not see was more real than the presence of the giant whom he could see.

David's response? Trust God and attack. He ran towards Goliath, armed with nothing but a sling, five stones, and unwavering faith in God.

Remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Whatever giant you're facing – whether it's fear, doubt, addiction, or any other challenge – know that with God, you have the power to overcome. As David declared to Goliath, "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Samuel 17:47).

Are you ready to face your giants? Trust in God, pick up your sling, and run towards that challenge. You might be surprised at how quickly those giants fall when you face them with faith.

Reflection:

1. What are the "giants" in your life that seem insurmountable?

2. How can you turn away from voices of contempt and turn towards God?

3. In what ways might you be relying on someone else's faith instead of developing your own?

4. How can you cultivate a faith that sees God as more real than your visible problems?

Application:

Today, identify one "giant" in your life. Instead of running from it, face it head-on with prayer and trust in God. Remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Take a step of faith, no matter how small, towards overcoming this challenge.

Prayer:

God, thank you for the example of David's courage and faith. Help me to see you as greater than any giant I face. Give me the strength to turn away from voices of contempt and uniformity, and to trust in your power. When fear grips me, remind me that the battle is yours. Grant me the boldness to step out in faith, knowing that you are with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.