How to Face Five 'Giants'

"Giants" can appear in all our lives. But we can knock them down if we have the right weapons. In this Spiritual Life and Victory UPGRADE, Dawn Wilson says, "Let's take on five of these giants!"

     

When a Philistine named Goliath tormented and mocked Israel, young David, a simple shepherd boy, came out against him. But David didn't use the armor King Saul suggested to fight the giant; he used a bag filled with five smooth stones. One in particular took the giant down (1 Samuel 17:1-51).

In the same way, we can use five purposeful, "powerful pebbles" to take our giants down. 

1. For the Giant of Fear, we need The POWER of God. 

Whether we are afraid of the unknown, or we fear failure, or our stomach is tied in knots because we're facing a tough challenge, God is more than able to help us. We can place our confidence in His power and strength.

David said, "I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 59:16, NIV).

God's grace offers strength for our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 56:3-4; 57:1; Isaiah 40:28-30; 41:10b, 13; Philippians 4:13).

2. For the Giant of Insecurity, we need The PRESENCE of God.

This giant says, "You can't succeed" ... or "Who do you think you are?" ... or "You're stupid" ... or "So-and-so is better, smarter, prettier, wiser and more spiritual than you." We compare ourselves and think people won't like or accept us. But remembering the presence of God—and who He is—is a powerful weapon against our insecurities.

Dr. Bill Elliff, a pastor of Arkansas, says: "Everything flows from the presence of God." Abiding in God's presence will encourage us. He never leaves us!

God told His people, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). But in another sense, we must seek His presence—become more aware of it and choose to rest there (Psalm 105:4). 

In God's presence there is "fullness of joy!" (Psalm 140:13b) In fact, the Westminster Shorter Catechism encourages us to glorify and enjoy God forever. It will be one of our preoccupations in heaven, and we can get started now!

3. For the Giant of Worry, we need The PROVISION of God.

This giant suggests we're going to lose something: our family, our friends, our job, our shelter, etc. Worry's brow is always wrinkled. Worry is tense, clutching things. But all our worry makes our God seem to others that He is a "lesser god." After all, can't He take care of us?

God provides for our needs according to the riches found in Jesus (Philippians 4:19). The Lord is our providing shepherd (Psalm 23:1; 34:9b). He gives us all we need so we can "abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). We can cast our burdens on Him, knowing He will care for us and sustain us (Psalm 55:22).

4. For the Giant of Confusion, we need The PERSPECTIVE of God.

There is so much that can confuse the truth these days. The giant of confusion says, "Everyone is doing it" ... or "What is truth, anyway?" This giant has one foot in the world and another in the Word—pulled by the culture and struggling with priorities. Easily distracted and discontent, this giant is always looking for the next exciting thing, even if it's "borderline" good.

We've forgotten to pursue the perspective of God—His wisdom. The truth sets us free, and the Spirit of Truth will guide us in the challenges of life (John 8:32; 16:13). It's Satan's lies, the world's pull and our own deceived hearts that enslave us. Sometimes our thoughts and ways don't align with God and His Word (Isaiah 55:8). We need to seek the Lord's wisdom and heed His advice (Proverbs 12:15; Psalm 3:5-6; 25:4-5).

5. For the Giant of Affliction, we need The PEACE of God.

This giant says, "God doesn't care about you; just look how you're suffering!" ... or "Don't say anything about Jesus—they'll laugh at you" ... or "You're struggling more than anyone. Poor you!" This giant carries heavy burdens and may be tearful or angry. This giant's mind is full of questions and doubts about God. 

Hurts, struggles, suffering, afflictions. They come to everyone. But what is our weapon to deal with them? God's peace. 

Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace the mind [that is[ dependent [on You], for it is trusting in you" (Holman CSB). God will guard our minds from anxiety and keep us in His unfailing peace when we focus on Him, lean on Him and hope confidently in Him. "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials...." (2 Peter 2:9a).

These are only a few of the giants you may face. But remember:

Whatever your giants, you need to pick up the "powerful pebbles" of God's Power, Presence, Provision, Perspective and Peace and defeat them! 

These and many other weapons of faith can bring victory.

David ran toward the giant, Goliath. He was intentional and he used the weapons God gave him. Just as you have these five "pebbles" (and more), you also have five intentional choices you can make when faced with giants.

They are my "Principles for Giant Slayers."

Praise the Lord. Move your eyes from your problems and focus on the Problem Solver.

Pray without ceasing. Keep a running conversation with the Lord—big, bold prayers, not wimpy ones!

Prioritize your life. Sometimes dealing with our giants doesn't work because we haven't aligned our will with the will of God for our lives. Make dealing with personal sin issues (through confession and repentance) a priority!

Pursue the giant. Get intentional and proactive about making new choices that can help you defeat any weaknesses and sins in your life. Don't make haphazard choices; make positive, Bible-based decisions that build your life. Think about the consequences of your choices.

Persist in the battle. While David's giant fell with one blow, yours may tougher. Remember what Jesus said when his disciples returned after an unsuccessful time of ministry—specifically, trying to rid someone of a demon: "This kind goes out after much prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21). Sometimes the battle isn't easy. Take courage and persist!

What are your toughest giants? When and where do they attack you? Which of the "powerful pebbles" or principles for giant slaying do you need to use right now?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God(with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego). Dawn is the co-author of LOL with God and contributed "The Blessing Basket" in It's a God Thing. She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.