Most of us are familiar with the biblical story of David and Goliath. It is the story of a brave young man who did what no else in Israel's army was willing to do--confront Goliath--the massive, intimidating, bullying Philistine giant who relentlessly taunted the Israelite army. Day after day, for forty days, he evoked fear and terror in their camp by yelling, harassing, belittling, and mocking them.
When David arrived on the scene, to bring his brothers lunch, he was appalled that this Philistine of Gath would dare to come up against God and his people. I can just imagine David saying, "Oh no he didn't!!!" He made a decision to confront the giant who defied the God of Israel. David courageously went up against Goliath because he knew who was with him. He knew the power of the God of the armies of Israel!
When Goliath saw David, he hurled insults and curses to debase and demoralize him. (But, that is what the enemy does--he mocks the God and us, the people of God. And when make a decision that enough is enough and when begin to make efforts to confront, overcome, and seize victory--he will endeavor to stop us in our tracks with acrid, slanderous verbiage. It's always a distraction, don't fall for it!) The Bible tells us that when David heard Goliath, he got up and ran towards him in haste! There was no hesitation, no knees knocking in fear, no calling for back-up...just swift movement and determination to confront, conquer, and destroy.
And, we know the end of the story. Big Bad Goliath went down for the count. He had seen his last day to ridicule, mock, and bully--David took his head off! There was no chance that Goliath would ever get up again. He had been permanently defeated because David was brave enough to confront him.
Today, we may not face a literal giant as David did; but there are giants that seek to vex and torment our souls. Many times we are unwilling to face them because of their enormity and the fear that they cause. Yet, as children of God, we have the same power and help that David had when he confronted the giant in the name of the Lord. We have the power and the authority to come against every giant that we face in our lives, when we come in the name of the Lord. Victory is assured!
Reflection:
1. Are there giants in your life that you have been unwilling to confront? Why?
2. List every giant that may be vexing or tormenting you. (Examples; negative thinking, over-eating, lying, anxiety, alcoholism, co-dependency, etc.)
3. Select a scripture to meditate and pray on concerning the giants in your life.
4. Envision yourself defeating the giant(s) in your life as David did. What does this look like. Draw a picture of it.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you are with me. I thank you that you have given me the power and the authority to confront every giant in your name. I thank you for victory in any area that I have been unwilling to confront. I thank you for wisdom and supernatural courage to aggressively go after the giant(s) of ______________________ in my life according to your word in I Samuel 17. Amen
I would love to agree with you in prayer concerning the giants you are making a decision to confront. I would also love to see your drawings of your envisioned victory. Take a picture of them and email them to: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org!