David (Mason) defeats Goliath (Uncle Matt). Have you heard the story about a boy who killed a giant with a single stone? While we might not have read it, I’d guess we all have a little knowledge of it. After-all, many events where an underdog goes up against a favorite usually make the headlines as a “David vs. Goliath” event; so my bet is, to some degree, we all have heard of the story. My three-year-old grandson, Mason, loves the story of David and Goliath. He loves it so much that we reenact parts of tale often- very often, in fact. When he puts on the Armor of God costume, we assume our roles and the dramatization is ready to begin. He enjoys when I assume the role of David; while he prefers the part of Goliath. He has mastered the art of falling, very dramatically, when I release the pretend stone from my sling. It is really quite comical. The story quickly became one of his favorites and often leads to discussions of David’s obedience and God’s faithfulness.
For those who might not know many details about Goliath, he was a champion of the Philistines, one who seemed invincible. He was taller than everyone (at almost 10 feet tall), he wore incredible armor that surpassed everyone else’s and his “spear’s head weighed 600 shekels of iron” (1 Samuel 17:7). He was big and he was a bully, but this bully met his match when David heard his threats and decided, when no else would, that he would be the one to meet Goliath’s challenge.
Over the last few weeks, as Mason and I had our fun acting out this story, I began to see how often I’ve had to face a “Goliath” in my own life. I realized I’ve stood toe to toe with many giants, like Goliath, that have challenged to me. These are giants that have taunted me with threats that lead me to doubt I am big enough, strong enough, or brave enough to win whatever battle I was facing at the time. I’ve been mocked by giant insecurities that have been determined to paralyze me from experiencing the life God intended for me. I’ve been haunted by the past, challenged by giant financial burdens, and harassed by giant relationship battles. I’ve also been hassled a time or two…okay, maybe more, by giant pride issues, which have detained me from hearing God clearly. Fear is a giant that harasses me quite often: fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of loss. Fear. Fear. Fear. Ugh. I decided it was time to take a good look at David’s defeat of Goliath. I asked the Lord for clues that would help me become a giant-killer just like David was. I want to kill the giants that rise up against me and dare to defy a servant of the Living God.
The first clue I noticed was this- when David heard the threats he asked two questions: “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel?” and “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God” (vs. 26 NLT).
So, I’m going to begin asking myself… “What will I get for killing this giant in my life and ending its defiance against me?” Will killing the giant of pride allow me to live the peace-filled life God intended? If I surrender the insecurities that try to hold me hostage, will they no longer strangle me? Will I gain the freedom I long for? Will I finally be free from the pain and sorrow of past regrets? Will I finally be able to put to death the lies I’ve clung so tightly to? Will I finally walk in the knowledge that I am exactly who God says I am?
Maybe it is time to ask, “Who is this Giant anyway, that I allow to challenge me, a Child of the Living God?” It is time, child of God, to take your stand against the giants! Why do we cower behind these giants, afraid to confront them with the truth of God’s Word? Why is it easier to surrender to defeat without picking up our slings (Bibles) and stones (Scripture)? Why do we forget there is power in the name of Jesus?
“For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army” (1 Samuel 17:16 NLT). Forty days, morning and night, they heard the same taunts. How many days will your giant be allowed to taunt you?
“Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (v 32).
To Be Continued…
For those who might not know many details about Goliath, he was a champion of the Philistines, one who seemed invincible. He was taller than everyone (at almost 10 feet tall), he wore incredible armor that surpassed everyone else’s and his “spear’s head weighed 600 shekels of iron” (1 Samuel 17:7). He was big and he was a bully, but this bully met his match when David heard his threats and decided, when no else would, that he would be the one to meet Goliath’s challenge.
Over the last few weeks, as Mason and I had our fun acting out this story, I began to see how often I’ve had to face a “Goliath” in my own life. I realized I’ve stood toe to toe with many giants, like Goliath, that have challenged to me. These are giants that have taunted me with threats that lead me to doubt I am big enough, strong enough, or brave enough to win whatever battle I was facing at the time. I’ve been mocked by giant insecurities that have been determined to paralyze me from experiencing the life God intended for me. I’ve been haunted by the past, challenged by giant financial burdens, and harassed by giant relationship battles. I’ve also been hassled a time or two…okay, maybe more, by giant pride issues, which have detained me from hearing God clearly. Fear is a giant that harasses me quite often: fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of loss. Fear. Fear. Fear. Ugh. I decided it was time to take a good look at David’s defeat of Goliath. I asked the Lord for clues that would help me become a giant-killer just like David was. I want to kill the giants that rise up against me and dare to defy a servant of the Living God.
The first clue I noticed was this- when David heard the threats he asked two questions: “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel?” and “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God” (vs. 26 NLT).
So, I’m going to begin asking myself… “What will I get for killing this giant in my life and ending its defiance against me?” Will killing the giant of pride allow me to live the peace-filled life God intended? If I surrender the insecurities that try to hold me hostage, will they no longer strangle me? Will I gain the freedom I long for? Will I finally be free from the pain and sorrow of past regrets? Will I finally be able to put to death the lies I’ve clung so tightly to? Will I finally walk in the knowledge that I am exactly who God says I am?
Maybe it is time to ask, “Who is this Giant anyway, that I allow to challenge me, a Child of the Living God?” It is time, child of God, to take your stand against the giants! Why do we cower behind these giants, afraid to confront them with the truth of God’s Word? Why is it easier to surrender to defeat without picking up our slings (Bibles) and stones (Scripture)? Why do we forget there is power in the name of Jesus?
“For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army” (1 Samuel 17:16 NLT). Forty days, morning and night, they heard the same taunts. How many days will your giant be allowed to taunt you?
“Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (v 32).
To Be Continued…
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