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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, September 9, 2008
HOW TO KILL THE GIANTS
Problems, needs, situations and trials loom over us like giants and we feel helpless, and at times hopeless. I imagine all of us have had these kinds of "giants" in our life. What can we do? Let's take a look at David and how he killed the giant, Goliath.
Israel is at war with the Philistines. They are on one hill, and Israel is on the one across the valley. David is sent by his father to take food supplies to his brothers who are in the military ranks with King Saul. As David arrives he encounters an unexpected situation.
A champion of the Philistines named Goliath comes out to challenge Israel. He is ten feet tall, and his armor weights approximately 120 pounds. He yells a challenge across the valley to Israel, "Choose you a man for you and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us."
The men of Israel are afraid, including King Saul. Then there is David. Now get a good picture of David. He is the youngest in his family and is a shepherd. He is not trained nor experience in military tactics. He had no armor or sword. He is on the scene only because, humanly speaking, his father has sent him.
David hears the challenge and begins to question why someone does not meet the challenge. When no one else is willing, David accepts it himself. He enters the valley and stands before Goliath. The giant is insulted that Israel sends a mere boy without armor or sword to fight him. However, David is not afraid because he is convinced of His God. With God's help, David actually kills the giant with just a sling shot and a smooth stone. Sounds unbelievable, but it is true and there are many similar examples of the weak overcoming the strong and the key to each is God.
So what can we learn from David to help us with our "giants"? First, David was not distracted or focused on his own weaknesses. Second, he was convinced of his God and His power and faithfulness. Third, he chose to trust God and took action.
These are the very things we need in order to deal with the trials, problems and needs of our lives. God has not changed, because He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8 So we can be sure of His power and His help.
Jesus already told us that without Him we could do nothing, so obviously He does not expect us to deal with these "giants" in our own strength. It is only our own self-centered conceit that makes us think we can. Paul knew this and he said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me."
To put it simply: recognize your inability and your dependence on God. Then choose to believe God because of who He is and His promises. Now, relying on the faithfulness of your Lord, put your faith in action.
"And he (Jesus) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
Notice the last few words of this verse: "for when I am weak, then am I strong." Paul is saying when my flesh is weak, Christ in me is strong. Do not be afraid of the "giants" in your life. God has allowed them for a reason. Let Him show you how to gain the victory.
POINT TO PONDER:What is the biggest "giant" in your life right now? God knows all about it, so what is hindering you from getting the victory?
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- Sandy Hastings September 9, 2008 |
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