“David said to the men who stood by him,.. ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?’
“And David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.’ And David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you!’” 1 Samuel 17:26b,32-37
The tales about Goliath did not unsettle young David. The giant’s height, formidable armor, and huge javelin did nothing to deter or squelch the larger faith of this shepherd boy. He stood with the Lord’s army. His understanding of God had been honed in wonder at His majesty in creation and in experience facing and fighting fierce enemies. He would not flee in fear, but eagerly approach the foe with expectant trust in his Lord’s deliverance and salvation. (Psalm 8:1-6; 1 Samuel 17:38-50)
We face giants in health and people and predicaments that hold power and sway. They threaten our livelihood, ridicule backgrounds and weaknesses, taunt faith, and poke with doubt and insecurities. We can decide whether to believe their destructive mantras and let them undo us, or face up to them with the confidence of tested, robust faith.
The more we know God, of His strong presence and enabling and a renewed mind, the heartier will be our defense against any foe. We own truth to smother the enemy’s lies, and the Spirit to combat flesh. We have wisdom to discern the way to go, and the will to take His way out. (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 10:13; Ephesians 6:10-18)
Through what lenses do I see the giants I face? Pressures from work and the culture, from long-held lies and calloused hearts and physical debilitations, are large indeed. But do doubt and insufficiency distort my perception of their actual power compared to God’s? How grounded and tested is my faith that the Lord’s on my side? Will I draw confidence from Him to boldly face these practical and spiritual battles? What experiences has He orchestrated to train me in warfare, so I can readily implement what I’ve learned instead of fretting with fear? (Romans 8:31-34; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 1 Timothy 6:12)
Lord, cause me to remember that You are greater than and victor over any foe, and You are worthy of all trust and praise. (1 John 4:4)
As the rain and snow 