In what ways can we rely on God when facing our own "giants"? Setting the Scene “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (1 Samuel 17:45) What David Knew for Certain • God’s reputation was at stake, not merely David’s safety. • The Lord had already proven faithful with the lion and the bear (17:37). • Victory rests in God’s hands, not human weapons (17:47). Ways We Can Rely on God When Facing Our Own Giants • Look first to God’s name and character – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) • Remember past deliverances – Recount specific moments when the Lord intervened, just as David recalled the lion and the bear. • Speak faith aloud – David declared his confidence before the battle; our words can align our hearts with truth. • Reject purely human measurements of strength – Goliath’s size versus David’s sling shows that God’s power eclipses visible disadvantages (Zechariah 4:6). • Move forward in obedience – David didn’t wait for a different weapon; he used what God had already placed in his hand. • Expect God-centered results – The purpose of victory is “that all this assembly will know that the LORD saves” (1 Samuel 17:47). Practical Takeaways for Today 1. Identify the “giant” (fear, sin, circumstance) and consciously place it under God’s authority. 2. Pray Scripture that magnifies God’s power—Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 41:10. 3. Recall and journal previous answers to prayer. 4. Speak truth instead of rehearsing defeat (2 Corinthians 4:13). 5. Step out in the next act of obedience, even if it feels small. Scriptures to Keep Close • Psalm 34:4 — “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” • Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • Ephesians 6:10 — “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” |
    |