How can Deuteronomy 1:28 inspire us to face modern-day giants with faith? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 1:28: “Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” What We Learn from Israel’s Fear • The report was factual—giants and fortified cities truly existed. • Facts alone, without faith, produced paralysis. • Fear spread quickly; discouragement is contagious. Translating the Lesson to Today’s Giants • Modern giants show up as terminal diagnoses, cultural hostility, financial ruin, fractured families, or personal addictions. • Like the Anakim, they loom large, look unbeatable, and whisper, “You can’t.” Keys for Courageous Faith • Remember God’s past victories: – He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and will make a way today. – He toppled Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6:20) and can collapse modern fortresses. • Stand on unchanging promises: – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power...” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Speak faith, not fear: – The ten spies said, “We can’t” (Numbers 13:31). – Caleb said, “We can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). • Fix eyes on the true Champion: – David faced Goliath “in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). – Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Remembering God’s Track Record • He keeps covenants (Deuteronomy 7:9). • He fights for His people (Exodus 14:14). • His strength is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Living It Out Today 1. Identify the giant honestly—name the challenge. 2. Review how God has delivered in Scripture and personal history. 3. Replace fearful words with faith-filled declarations from God’s Word. 4. Act in obedience, trusting the outcome to the Lord. 5. Encourage others; courage multiplies just as fear once did. |
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