How to Overcome Our Goliath
Like many Americans and other folks all over the world, we have spent some time enjoying the Olympic games that have been televised this past week. As the athletes compete, some take on daunting challenges. I am told the pressure these people are under is intense. We know they have trained and practiced, but even then some of the things they are able to accomplish seem almost impossible.
The events themselves are difficult, but what about having to compete against the greatest of other countries in their respective sports, some of which hold world or Olympic records? The physical nature of these things are incredible and we all must admit that the mental aspect could present a nearly insurmountable obstacle.
This is likely what Israel felt when challenged by the giant of the Philistines. In the 17th chapter of 1Samuel, vss 4-8 we are told of the great might and incredible size of this formidable warrior, as well as the massive nature of his weapons and his armor. He truly dwarfed the Israelites and knowing he could easily defeat any of their soldiers one on one, still offered a challenge of “mano a mano” or hand to hand battle with any single Israelite of their choosing. We then see in vs 11 how that made the Israelites, from the king on down feel. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
Often when we face perceived or real obstacles we may feel we are facing our Goliath. Our thoughts sometime lead us to defeat. Our fears are realized and we find it nearly impossible to fight on or to think we can overcome the various things that present themselves as hindrances and impediments to the goals we want to achieve. David did not allow improper thoughts to allow him to consider defeat. He stated in 1Samuel 17:37 that he knew God would deliver him as long as he followed the Lord. The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.
What a lesson for us! How soon we forget that our strength comes from God and
His Word. This is the same message the Spirit had Paul deliver to the Philippians brethren in Philippians 4:13 so that they would know the source of his strength and also could be the source of their strength. The same thing applies to us. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Can we not see that the means by which David was strengthened was the same in his youth as when he was king of Israel? The Spirit had the Psalmist record this in Psalms 119:9-16 so we can know how to stand strong in the face of adversity and opposition. This is also how we can overcome our Goliaths. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
As the Spirit had Paul encourage and instruct Timothy in 2Timothy 3:14-17, He pointed out how we all can overcome as obstacles are placed in our ways. This advice is something we all need to heed. By following this instruction we can also overcome the things which stand in opposition to our faithful service to God But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The entire 11th chapter of Hebrews is dedicated to the many who endured pains, sufferings, trials and tribulations, and overcame the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that were placed before them as they strove to serve God and do what was right to do. As time passed on and the church was established, these folks and their dedication to God and doing what God directed them to do, stand as a great example to us. They had great faith in God, and obtained a good report according to Hebrews 11:39, yet did not receive the promise. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: Then in verse 40 of Hebrews 11 we are told God has provided something better for us. That something is the church. Then in Hebrews 12:1 we see the advice the Hebrews Christians were given and we also should heed it as we strive to overcome all the Goliaths this world presents us. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,. Overcome your “Goliaths” – Be faithful to God and His Word.
Dennis S - Mooresville
