Written by Rick Hepler
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
Have you ever experienced the giants of Monday morning? You go to bed on Sunday night dreading getting up the next day, because you know the problems you have in store for the week. I remember one place I worked, early every Monday morning we had an officers’ meeting. I hated going to bed on Sunday night because I knew what the next morning would bring. I would have nightmares concerning the job. This became a giant of a problem for me and almost made me sick. Finally I quit and found a job I enjoyed.
The problems we have in this life, if we let them, can grow into giants. How do we handle them? Most of the time, our fearful thoughts make them look so large, that we become afraid. Let’s go to the Bible and see what happened to one giant.
Who hasn’t heard the story of David and Goliath? This is one of the first stories taught in Sunday school to little children. We read about this in 1 Samuel chapter 17. Saul and the men of Israel are in battle against the Philistines. We are told about Goliath’s size and how heavily he was equipped for battle (v.10). He issues a challenge to the armies of Israel and Saul and all Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid (v.8-11). That is, when Goliath appeared, they were shattered and had much fear.
Goliath presented himself forty days, morning and evening. I imagine every time he saw the Israelites fleeing his confidence was strengthened. When do most of your troublesome thoughts appear to you? Is it not morning and evening? When you try to flee from them, does this give them strength over you? If given time, our problems can wear us down to the point we do not know which way to turn. Saul and the men of Israel fled from Goliath instead of facing him. The solution to get rid of him was with them all the time, but they did not recognize it.
They could not present a champion to challenge Goliath but God already had David in mind. David was not afraid in facing Goliath, because he had faith in God. He trusted in God and did not forget what God had already done for him. We read in verse 37 that David’s faith and trust in God had previously been tested. God delivered him from the paw of the lion and bear, and he knew God would do the same with this Philistine.
God surprised the men of Israel by removing Goliath with a shepherd boy and one stone. A shepherd boy, who had faith and trust in God, gave the army of Israel the courage to pursue and defeat the Philistines.
David stood up for God and what seemed impossible was made possible.
Lord, I don’t want to turn my small negative thoughts into giants. Help me to have faith and trust in You like David. Thank You for promising to deliver my giants in ways I could never imagine. Amen.
Who hasn’t heard the story of David and Goliath? This is one of the first stories taught in Sunday school to little children. We read about this in 1 Samuel chapter 17. Saul and the men of Israel are in battle against the Philistines. We are told about Goliath’s size and how heavily he was equipped for battle (v.10). He issues a challenge to the armies of Israel and Saul and all Israel were dismayed and greatly afraid (v.8-11). That is, when Goliath appeared, they were shattered and had much fear.
Goliath presented himself forty days, morning and evening. I imagine every time he saw the Israelites fleeing his confidence was strengthened. When do most of your troublesome thoughts appear to you? Is it not morning and evening? When you try to flee from them, does this give them strength over you? If given time, our problems can wear us down to the point we do not know which way to turn. Saul and the men of Israel fled from Goliath instead of facing him. The solution to get rid of him was with them all the time, but they did not recognize it.
They could not present a champion to challenge Goliath but God already had David in mind. David was not afraid in facing Goliath, because he had faith in God. He trusted in God and did not forget what God had already done for him. We read in verse 37 that David’s faith and trust in God had previously been tested. God delivered him from the paw of the lion and bear, and he knew God would do the same with this Philistine.
God surprised the men of Israel by removing Goliath with a shepherd boy and one stone. A shepherd boy, who had faith and trust in God, gave the army of Israel the courage to pursue and defeat the Philistines.
David stood up for God and what seemed impossible was made possible.
Lord, I don’t want to turn my small negative thoughts into giants. Help me to have faith and trust in You like David. Thank You for promising to deliver my giants in ways I could never imagine. Amen.
Question: What giants are you facing today? How can you urn your thoughts from becoming giants into prayer?
Daily Devotionals
Power to Change offers daily devotionals to both men and women in an interactive blog format. Devotionals are short, inspiring messages that will help you develop your daily walk with God.
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