| Overcoming the Giants of Life |
Page 1 of 4  The story of David and Goliath has been a favourite of mine since I first watched the early Christian television show, “Davey and Goliath,” which was about a young boy and his dog, Goliath. I loved that show even though it was a religious program and I knew nothing about God. I believe it sparked an interest in me about God and helped me gain a small understanding about the things of God.In this article, we will look at the biblical account of David and Goliath and try to glean some practical things to apply in our own lives so that when the giants of life are overshadowing us, we can conquer them and go on. Every one of us will, at one time or another, come face to face with some type of giant. There are many of them and they are all destructive in nature and want to dominate and conquer us. We must not allow them to do this. As you read on, please think about some of the giants you are facing right now and allow yourself to be renewed in your fight against them. Some of the giants I have conquered are: fear of man, rejection, fear of failure, self pity and depression. Remember, God is with you and He has made you more than a conqueror. "Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle and were assembled at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. Saul and the men of Israel were encamped in the Valley of Elah and drew up in battle array against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on one side and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.” 1 Samuel 17:1-3 (AMP) One of Israel’s main enemies was the Philistine army, who continually plagued them with battle. To us, the Philistines represent any enemy that would come against God’s people, either naturally or spiritually. What we need to realize is that victory does not come without some sort of battle. Any time we want to grow in an area, inevitably, a challenge will come. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NKJV) Do not think for one moment that we will go through life without trials, troubles or tough times. It is through these times that we start to know ourselves, whether we are really more than conquerors, or just pretenders. Since the fall of man, life seems to have been designed to do everything in its power to take away from us. That is why we are called to fight the good fight of faith and that the violent will take it by force. “And a champion went out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span [almost ten feet]. And he had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of mail, and the coat weighed 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had bronze shin armor on his legs and a bronze javelin across his shoulders. And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam; his spear's head weighed 600 shekels of iron. And a shield bearer went before him.” 1 Samuel 17:4-7 (AMP)
There will be giants that present themselves before us in life. Some are easily seen and some are of the inward variety. Both are dangerous and must be defeated. This is what giants do; they shout at us in order to intimidate and defeat us before we even put up any sort of fight. Giants are bullies! It is their daunting size that gives them this ability. Giants come to bully us and make us afraid to tackle the issue at hand. Sometimes we think it is easier to run away from our giants than to tackle them head on. The only way to win is to face the giant head on. What is the giant’s objective? It wants to whip you and defeat you and cause you to become its servant. It wants you and I to become its slave. It intends to make us powerless and we must never allow that to happen! We were created in God’s image and likeness! We were not created to be dominated, physically, spiritually or any other way! Whatever we allow to overcome us becomes our master and we become its slave. We must take this seriously and be fully aware of what these giants are trying to do. By gaining control over us, they cause us to back off from taking what is rightfully ours in Christ. "When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” 1 Samuel 17:11 (AMP) |
Let’s face it; giants are exactly that, gigantic. No doubt, Goliath had never been defeated in battle. He was a terrifying presence who struck fear into every man of Israel, including Saul, who was head and shoulders taller than everyone else. Giants can be an intimidating foe!
