[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]W[/dropcap2]e all have our giants in life – seemingly unconquerable obstacles and challenges. In the previous post, Facing Our Giants, we looked at the story of teen shepherd boy David as he goes up against the nine-foot, terrible warrior-champion Goliath. Our hearts leap! We long for such victories.
So how do we deal with the giants of life? Here are five things we can learn from David:
1. You must face your giants.
The other troops heard Goliath’s challenge and shrank back in fear. David, the most unlikely candidate, steps forward. You may feel unequal to the challenge that has come knocking. You could run, but you know it will chase you down. You must face it.
2. You’ve been prepared for these giants.
When King Saul tries to keep him from fighting Goliath, David responds, “In protecting my father’s sheep, your servant has killed both the lion and the bear. This fellow will be like one of them!” David being there and hearing Goliath’s challenge was not accidental. David had been prepared. You are being prepared for the giants you will face.
3. You must fight the battle as you, not someone else.
King Saul gave David his royal armor and sword. David said, “I cannot go in these, for I am not used to them.” So David approached Goliath with only a sling and some smooth stones. If you’re being prepared for the giants you will face, it makes sense that you need to be you. Of course, discovering who you really are may be one of the greatest challenges!
4. You must know that dealing with your giants is part of a larger story.
David knew his battle with Goliath was part of something bigger. God’s honor was being challenged. David stepped forward to defend it. Where is God’s honor being challenged in your life, family, and relationships? How does battling your giants fit into the larger story? How you handle your giants counts – more than you know.
5. You must know where real victory comes from.
David knew only God could bring victory over Goliath, and he was confident that God would do so. The same is true of your battles. Lasting victory comes from him. “What would trusting God with your giants look like?” might be the most important question you ask. When you are pursuing the things on God’s heart, you can be confident in his guidance and power.
So let the giants come. We’ve been prepared. We’ll face them.
