Giants

<<larger than normal people or challenges>>

Goliath is the most notable physical example in the Bible of a super-sized human, standing over nine feet (3 m) tall, though the spies also detected some others on their reconnaissance of the Promised Land (Num 13:33; 1 Sam 17:4).

When confronted by this overwhelming giant, David met him with: commitment – when David knew the situation he didn’t run but faced it and took action; courage – although others were terrified David’s faith was bigger than his fear; communication – David exposed the lies and insults of the enemy by speaking out the truth of his source of power; capability – although not an experienced soldier David had a victorious fighting record; confidence – his trust was in the Lord stating, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Sam 17:45). Goliath enters the scene as an arrogant soldier who despised God, yet soon this monster and his threat of defeat is annihilated (1 Sam 17:4-51). Giants are vulnerable – ask Goliath

We can use the same principles to overcome the figurative giants we face – the challenging situations that in the natural are seemingly insurmountable because they appear bigger than they actually are, yet unless dealt with, will hold us in their powerful grip. These are formidable entities that the forces of evil use to ensnare, weaken and destroy (Jn 10:10). Included in these vices are drink, drugs, pornography, and in fact the list is long.

What stands in my way, provoking feelings of helplessness and defeat, trying to prevent me reaching my potential in Christ? Whatever it is, it is vulnerable, and in faith conquerable for everything must bow before God (Rom 14:11). On our own we are no match for these giants, so look beyond yourself. Do not focus your attention on what is against you, look at who is for you and the victory achievable in

I will get my eye off my giant and onto our mighty God

Christ for “Greater is He that is in us, than what would come against us” (Rom 8:31,37; 1 Jn 4:4). As believers we are to exercise virtue, honour and integrity besides self-discipline to avoid and deal with the very real yet not insurmountable challenges, replacing them with godly qualities for “sin shall not be your master” (Rom 6:14; 2 Cor 10:4,5; Eph 4:22-24,27).

It is important to recognise who God is, and whatever giant we face is just an inferior reality compared to the superior power of God who lives within us.

Don’t you want to be an over-comer? How are the menacing giants defeated? “It’s not by [human] might or power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zech 4:6). Co-operate with Him to see victory that can only

Come against them in the name of the Lord

be attributed to Him. Size doesn’t matter to God – after all it was only a small stone that felled the huge Goliath!