Overcoming giants
Do you have seemingly impossible or giant size problems in your life?
We as believers don’t live out of what our eyes see but we live by what God says through the Holy Spirit and His word. Let’s take notice of the principles and truths through the story of David and Goliath. (1 Samuel 17) These encouraging truths still stand for us today. As we stand on these principles we too live victoriously and we see the giants slain in our lives.
David knew there was a war between the Israelites and the Philistines and we know, as believers, that we too are in a war, a battle against evil. What did David do? He left his baggage (natural possessions that would hinder him) and RAN TO THE BATTLE. Others in the Israelite army, when they saw Goliath, fled from him and were greatly afraid. David in contrast, knowing his identity in God, ran fearlessly to, instead of running from, his enemy. He knew victory was his with God on his side. David didn’t even bother calling his enemy by name but instead he said ‘for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God.’ We too need to address our ‘goliaths’, rising in our authority, positioned as overcomers, knowing the victory is ours. Our battles are already won with Jesus on our side.
Once David makes a stand, what happens? He comes under attack from his oldest brother who wrongly accused him. We too can expect to have negative feedback and to be wrongly accused when we make a stand against evil. Remember we are fighting a spiritual battle. We are not of this world and our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness Saul also wrongly judged David because he was young – ‘You are not able to go against the Philistine.’ David’s defense was his powerful testimony of how, in the past, he had killed lions and bears. David declared that God would deliver him from the hand of the Philistine. You too have past victories of God’s faithfulness and your personal victories and you too are called to face your enemy with boldness and without fear. Be empowered by addressing your enemy with decrees and declarations, based on God’s word, silencing your foe and declaring your victory. One of my favourite declarations to the enemies that face me is ‘not on my watch.’ Somehow this statement empowers me and then my faith is lifted.
What a great example David is to us. He cast off man’s way of winning a battle. They offered him Saul’s armour but he chose God’s strategy, a sling and stones, to conquer the giant. We must do the same, even if at times it can go against our logic. God has a strategy for us to win our battles revealed to us through our personal relationship with God. Being fearful is never an option but we are to be strong and courageous no matter what we are facing. David faced his enemy knowing God was on his side and he knew his authority came from the Lord of Hosts. He declared that the ‘battle is the Lord’s and He will give you (Goliath) into my hands.’ David fearlessly ran towards his enemy and we know the rest of the story. Yes David killed the giant with a strategic blow from his sling and confirmed his death with a strike of his sword.
Live out of the victory that is rightfully yours as God’s warrior.