FACING THE GIANTS

And he (Goliath) stood and called out to the battle lines of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to arrange yourselves for battle? Am I not the Philistine and you slaves of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.” 1 Samuel 17:8

Wouldn’t you have liked to have had Goliath on your basketball team!? At 9’ 6” it wouldn’t take much to dunk the ball or get a rebound. Notice what Goliath said in 1 Samuel 17:8, “Am I not the Philistine?” The army of Israel got the message loud and clear. Look at verse 11. They were dismayed and greatly afraid. Is that you?  Is there a giant in your life which is striking fear into your heart?

Maybe it’s the giant of mounting debt. Maybe it’s the giant of a crumbling marital relationship. Maybe it’s the giant of no job. Maybe it’s the giant of a bully at school. How can you overcome these kinds of giants? The answer is the same way that David overcame Goliath. Remember what he said? “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of hosts, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have reproached.” David had strong confidence in God. Do you? Do you really believe that He can overcome, through you and His people, any enemy/giant? David had courage. Do you? He remembered how God had delivered him from the lion and from the bear. God has an impeccable track record. Can you think of times in your life when God has provided for you? When God has answered your prayers?

Even when the opposition is powerful, God is for you. David’s faith was a result of keeping his eyes fixed on the eternal God. Do you focus on the giant, as Israel did, or on God, as David did? Call out to Him and seek His face.

Ike Graham