David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)
Do you remember any giant stories from your childhood? My favorite was Gulliver’s Travels (1726), authored by Jonathan Swift. It tells the story of the little people of Lilliput who tie down a sleeping giant in his sleep, rendering him helpless. As a young child, the thing that struck me the most in this story was that the ‘little people’ outwitted the ‘big giant’.
Daily, we face ‘giants’ of our own, some personal and others professional. When faced with a ‘giant’, we have a tendency to feel small, helpless, incapable and on occasion, overwhelmed. Sometimes we feel as though we must fight the ‘giant’ entirely, alone. Speaking on this topic, Max Lucado, in his book, Facing Your Giants (2006) says, “Giants. We must face them. Yet we need not face them alone. Focus first, and most, on God.” When he faced Goliath, Lucado continues, “David asks nothing about Goliath’s skill, age, the weight of the spear, or the size of the shield. But he gives much thought to God.” Nine times out of eleven in this story, David’s thoughts center on God, not on Goliath. You probably know how the story ends; Goliath is slain and David wins! David did not chance on thoughts of God by accident. This was not a magic trick he pulled out of a hat at the last moment. David had been walking with God prior. He knew where his help came from.
Today, you may be facing a ‘giant’. As you assess the threat you are facing, reflect on this: Who is your constant companion? Where is your focus? Is it on the size of the ‘giant’ or on the strength God possesses? Do your God thoughts outnumber your ‘giant’ thoughts? Even though you may feel out-sized and overwhelmed, remember that with the Almighty God on your side, your ‘giant’s fate is already sealed. You have already won because the battle belongs to God. Whatever your issue, and no matter how big, complicated, or impossible it may appear, remember to “Focus first, and most, on God…. That’s how you face a giant (Max Lucado).” I pray that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will surround you this week.
Incomprehensible God, protector of the weak and downtrodden, show up in every situation I may encounter this week. Teach me how to fight my battles from a position of spiritual strength, rather from the seat of victimhood. Thank you for reminding me that every battle I face, belongs to you. Teach me to walk in the confidence of this truth. Amen.