One Sunday in church, my pastor spoke on the David and Goliath story described in 1 Samuel 17. This timeless story resonates in each of us as we go through different seasons of life. There are always new giants to overcome as we face health issues, relationship conflicts, job changes, stresses at home, and adventure and future goals. One question keeps resonating through me as I keep meditating on the Word preached: How tall is a giant?
If you are two years old, a six-foot man would loom over you like a giant. If you attended an NBA game and sat in the prime seats on the floor, the basketball players would tower over you. The size of the giant is all in your perspective.
Goliath’s strategy was to use intimidation to set fear in the heart of every soldier of Israel. And it worked. For forty days this giant strutted before the Israelite army, showing off his size and strength, and taunted the frightened men.
“Intimidation stops us and reduces our confidence through comparison,” according to Pastor Nate Ruch.
We know the story: One day David arrives at the battlefield and questions why so much fear has entered the hearts of the army of the living God. “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”
I encourage you to ask the same question and get some perspective on your giant.
Name Your Giant
Identifying the obstacle brings it out into the open. Name it. What has you shaking in your boots? What is causing fear to arise in your heart? Why are you hesitant? Why can’t you sleep at night? What is stopping you from taking the next step?
Get God’s Perspective
Ask God if you are believing a lie. Ask him for his perspective on your situation.
God sees the difficulties in your life differently than you do. God’s ways and thoughts are beyond us and he sees everything from a higher perspective. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts,” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT).
Speak the Truth
“Whatever is true. . . think about these things,” Philippians 4:8. Begin to think “true” thoughts and then proclaim that truth about God out loud. Both your ears and the enemy, who is the author of intimidation, will hear it. It will build faith in you and cause the enemy to flee. (James 4:7-8)
David begins to tell the intimidated king and frightened soldiers of his triumphs. While shepherding, he had killed both lions and a bear while defending his sheep: “If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. . . I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:35-37)
Cut Off the Head
Picture your giant without a head! I know that is gross, but whatever is harassing you, intimidating you, and stopping you from advancing forward with faith and confidence can be defeated. As the story says, “Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:46-47)
Friends, don’t stay seated in your chair of intimidation. It’s time to get up and move into freedom, rest, and confidence.
Becky Meyerson is passionate about writing and teaching from the Word of God. Her heart is to see women flourish in every season of life. To encourage and empower women to live abundantly she writes free Bible reading plans, Bible studies, blogs and speaks on healthy thinking, identity, and purpose. www.beckymeyerson.com
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