Our giants today are legion! Some giants engage entire nations; however, nearly every individual has to deal with their own giants from time to time. You all know your Goliath. You recognize his stride, the bellowing of his speech. Your gaze and mind focuses on his mass and enormous weapons. You go on in fear because he goads you with bills you cannot get out from under, people you cannot make happy or worse, forgive, habits you cannot end, disappointments you cannot put out of your mind, a virus you cannot see, political strife, and an outlook you cannot face. However just as David, you can face your intimidating giant even if you feel you are weak, stupid, inadequate, or the least holy.
Persistently we feel we are just like King Saul of old and his Israelite Military. We are AWOL from the conflict because fear has possessed our heart. We don’t know what to do or how to do it. We have admitted our downfall so quickly that all we do or say is pivoting on our fearful outlook.
Attitude is the mind’s GPS. It guides all we try to carry out!
From the David and Goliath story shared in 1 Samuel 17, we see the mistakes King Saul and the Israelite Army made that defeated them at once. From this historical account, I want to give you some biblical “do’s and don’ts” in dealing your Goliaths. They are…
First, the Hebrew Army and their King focused only on the obstacle in front of them, Goliath. However, behind him was yet another problem, the Philistine Army. If we focus only on the political agendas or the pandemic confusions and fears, we will be defeated. The fight is not just about the political agenda or the pandemic, the fight is for the heart and soul of America. Beloved, you and I need to have the mind of David while facing out Goliaths. David was a man after God’s own heart. He kept an optimistic mind-set all the way through his encounter with this huge obstacle.
David was focused on his God not the opponent he faced, no matter how massive. “David asked the men standing near him…. ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?'” (1 Samuel 17:26). You can either rush away, or into, the battle. You will choose.
Second, the Israelites anticipated defeat. “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” (1 Samuel 17:11).
If we are to be successful in the battle for the heart and soul of America, even our own personal giants, we must run into the battle not away. David expected God would assist. “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 said…, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Give this, and all, battles to God. He will fight for us. Nevertheless, we must keep on keeping on in the fight!
Next, we see that King Saul and his Israelite Army bore a stance of self-preservation. “As he (David) was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear” (1 Samuel 17:23-24). Fear will cause you to act as you never would if you lose site of the One Who is your Supreme Defender, El-Shaddai, your Almighty God.
David was adamant about being implicated in the battle. “David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him'” (1 Samuel 17:32). Dear beloved believer, are you engaged in this battle for the heart and soul of America? If not, why not? If not now, then when?
Last, they rushed from their giant of a problem with Goliath. “When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear” (1 Samuel 17:24). But remember, Goliath was not the only dilemma. When your concentration is bad, it affects all else.
On the contrary, David was prepared. “’So he took them off (King Saul’s armor). Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:39-40).
Church, you must be organized for the conclusive battle for the heart and soul of America. This battle is not yet finished, and you have not yet been defeated. Sadly, we have suffered some serious damage to our American structure, and many have used the political process against us, even this pandemic, as bad as it is, is being used against the future of this nation, but never forget, our God is greater than all and He will lead us to victory in revival and Spiritual Awakening if we arise and stay in the battle on our knees and in every way He leads.
How did our story end? David had an effect on everyone; not just Goliath. “When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines…” (1 Samuel 17:51-52).
To defeat your Goliath, look to the LORD Jesus Christ and take a stand of faith against your fear; do not run in fear, but in faith run to help, and stay in the warfare until the flesh and the evil one is soundly defeated by the Victor, Jesus! Come on, Church . . . Pray On!
