battle
“And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hand.”
1 Samuel 17:47 ESV
Don’t look at the size of the giant, but rather the character of the God you serve.
David, known as being “a man after God's own heart,” was nothing if not brave. He was a fighter from the very beginning. But before he killed a giant or led armies into battle, he was a shepherd, protecting the sheep he looked after. He killed the lions and bears that threatened his flock. He witnessed time and time again how he could depend on God to deliver him and protect him from these seemingly “small giants.” He believed so much in God’s protection and sovereignty that when it was time to go to battle with an actual giant named Goliath, he declined the offer of wearing the king's armor and sword — choosing rather to face Goliath with just a sling and five stones.
David defeated Goliath in full faith that it would not be by his own might or strength, but by the sovereign God of the impossible. While giants of this stature don’t exist today, we’ve all encountered a few “giants” in our lifetime. Our giants aren’t nine-foot bullies, but the insurmountable problems looming over us and overwhelming us. They scream out how weak and worthless we are, making us want to run and hide.
One tactic of the enemy is to convince us we are defenseless, weak and a failure in the sight of God. Goliath terrorized the Israelite army for forty days and in the same way, our giants will hang around as long as we allow, unless we face the challenge as David did—in the name of the Lord. Remembering and trusting that the battle is not ours, but God’s.
Be encouraged today, Beloved, with whatever you may be facing — don’t look at the size of the giant, but rather the character of God and His heart for you. Rest and trust in the God of the impossible. With that posture, that intangible ferocity and brave heart, you will become a giant slayer.
in joy, peace + love,
Riley Rae Baker
additional reading:
Psalm 24:8 / Proverbs 21:31 / Psalm 18:39 / Ephesians 6:10 / Romans 8:37 / 1 John 5:4
reflect:
What giants are you currently facing in your own life? Are you trying to conquer them in your own strength? What is something you have learned about God’s heart for you from David’s story?
centering prayer:
Father, thank you that you alone are my greatest defender and nothing that comes against me is too big for you to handle. Thank you that I can face my giants through the power of Your mighty name. Help me to have a faith like David, knowing that you and you alone are my sword and armor. I love you, Abba. amen.
