“And this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD’s. He will hand you over to us.” (I Samuel 17:47, Christian Standard Bible)

A favorite Bible story from childhood tells of the shepherd boy David slaying Goliath, the formidable Philistine giant. The account, found in I Samuel 17, is filled with everything that make a story exciting: (1) a bad guy (super big and mean), (2) a good guy (likable but greatly outweighed), and (3) a problem (bad guy and his buddies trying to push the good guy and his buddies around). Then the “come and fight me” challenge goes out—one the gigantic bad guy assumes no one will accept because—well, he’s big and mean and intimidating. He never expects to get his knuckles dirty because people run when he roars. Children love the story.

Giants of this stature don’t exist today, but everyone reading this devotion has met a few giants in their lifetime. Our giants aren’t nine-foot bullies; they are the seemingly insurmountable problems we face in life. They loom over us. They overwhelm us. They scream out how weak and worthless we are. And we want to run and hide. Goliath terrorized the Israelite army for forty days. Our giants will hang around as long as we allow unless we face the challenge as David did—in the name of the Lord.

Just as David overcame Goliath, we too can overcome our giants. In I Samuel 17 we learn how to become a giant slayer.

  • Realize everyone has giants to conquer. One tactic of the enemy is to convince us we are weak, a failure, and worthless in the sight of God (and others). Remember, everyone has battles to fight. Everyone faces giants. “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.” (I Peter 4:12, CSB).
  • Know that the battle is God’s, not ours. Satan tries to distract us by hurling accusations that we are defenseless and will never overcome him. Don’t allow the enemy’s rants to drown out the voice of God. Ephesians 6:10 tells us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Don’t listen to Satan’s roar. God is with us.
  • Remember past victories. David remembered the times he fought the lion and the bear (verses 34-36). “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (verse 37). Encouraged by past victories, he knew God would help him again. Keeping a record of past victories will give us confidence when facing new battles.
  • Speak words of faith to your giant. David told Goliath exactly how he was going to defeat him (verses45-47). “Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, CSB). Boldly speak to your giant. Quote scripture showing God’s power.
  • Give God the glory. The victory is God’s, so praise Him for what He has done in your life. “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4, CSB).

Don’t look at the size of the giant. Look at the size of your God. That’s how we win!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I can face my giants through the power of Your name. Nothing that comes against me is too big for You to handle. I lean on Your strength and place my trust in You. My giants will be defeated.

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

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