– By Lori Benka
My husband and I were out walking in the woods the other day when the most horrifying, unthinkable thing happened. As I was gingerly walking, talking, and taking in the scenery, something slithered right where my foot was about to come down!
Although I am not an acrobat, I managed to keep my foot up in the air and lean into my husband so I wouldn’t step on this slithering object my mind has now perceived to be a small, black snake. As I fell into my husband to miss the said snake, the horrible, little critter raises his head like he was going to bite me! The gull of him! Here I was trying not to smash him, and he acts like he is going to bite me. It was horrible!
As I let out a scream my husband begins to laugh at me. I become even more irritated thinking that he was being so insincere about my almost tragic plight. Didn’t he realize this snake almost bit me? Or, did this snake bite me and I haven’t realized it yet? Hmmm…..no marks, breathing is fine, nothing hurts.
My charming husband assured me I was being overly dramatic about the snake and my foot’s proximity to it. As he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement, he tugged me away from the eight inch monster that was going to attack me.
As we walked away, and I assured myself that I was safe again, I began to laugh. The snake seemed to be a giant when I almost stepped on it. But in reality it was a baby who probably was just as terrified of me as I was of him. Isn’t that how life is sometimes? Something happens that completely destroys our day and steals our joy because it seems like a giant to us.
Conquering Your Giant
All of us have giants in our lives we are trying to overcome. Some will be successful at overcoming these strongholds in their minds, while others will struggle because they are not using the right tools to overcome.
We read in the book of 1 Samuel about a boy who was on his way to deliver food to his brothers who were fighting against the Philistines. When he arrived at the army encampment, he heard Goliath’s threats and witnessed the Israelites fear. How many of us hide in fear because of the threats of the enemy? This made David furious and he responds in 1 Samuel 17:26:
“who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the living God?”
David is the only Israelite who sees Goliath from a divine perspective. He then tells King Saul that “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37).
David knew who his God was. Although his giant was there, he didn’t fear because he knew that the same God who rescued him before will rescue him again. In man’s eyes, Goliath had the upper hand with fighting David. But Goliath didn’t realize in fighting David, he was actually fighting God.
With five small stones, David runs towards his giant and declares:
“The battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47)
As David spoke out in faith, God delivered Goliath into David’s hands and the Philistines run in fear. The battle is won because of one teenage boy who dares to confront his giant. For more on conquering fear, read my post Fearful Dog and a Lesson in Faith here.
What Are Some Giants Christians Face?
The Giant of Fear
Most of us confront fear at some point in our lives. We often imagine the worst-case scenarios and grapple with endless “what ifs.” Many times, the fear becomes so big we begin to lose our faith in God’s ability to fight our battles.
When confronted by thoughts like these, we need to reach out to our Heavenly Father who will lead, guide, and protect us and help us fight our giant. Rely on promises such as:
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
As you meditate on these promises, God’s peace will encompass you and you can withstand the threats of fear arising in your mind.
The Giant of Despair
The giant of despair wants you to believe life is hopeless and nothing will ever change. Many times, you feel like God has abandoned you. When you pray, it feels like you are praying into space, and those prayers bounce off walls. You struggle to see any results in your prayer life.
But God, in these moments, is closer than you can ever imagine. Hebrews 13:5 says: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Do you remember the Footprints in the Sand poem?
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.“
The Giant of Low Self Esteem
Many people battle low self esteem. We tend to think we are not pretty enough, talented enough, or good enough. We struggle with self-doubt and have a pervasive belief that we fall short of expectations. Oftentimes, we tend to underestimate our own value.
We can take courage and remember these promises from scripture:
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 71:5
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
The Giant of Lack
The giant of lack tends to point to all of your unmet needs. You become so focused on your needs you forget to look to God (Jehovah-Jireh). But as you meditate on His promises, you can refocus your thoughts on the One who turned water into wine and made a way through the sea. He is the One who can help you face this giant.
“There is no lack and no want to those who fear the Lord and who seek Him. –Psalm 34:9-10
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Conclusion
It is not enough to just identify your giant. You must give it over to God and meditate on His truth so your mindset can be changed. If you feel like you have been a valley dweller, refocus your eyes upon the hills. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,“
The battles we face are formidable, beyond our human capacity. Only through faith in God can we find the courage and strength to prevail.
I believe God is currently in the process of dismantling the barriers that prevent you from achieving victory in your life. He stands as your protector, your fortress, and the One who will secure triumph for you. Surrender all control to Him and witness His guidance leading you through this challenging time. The monumental obstacles you face now will soon fade away, paving the way for a new mindset. Trust in His plan and let His power work wonders in your life.
Find Joy In Today 
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