Be A “Giant” Killer
Upon reading the title of this article, you many have thought: “Fi -Fi-Fo-Fum”, as is found in the children’s stories depicting giants and such. We know that the “mythical” giants as portrayed in these stories and films are designed to fascinate and entertain our young ones, and do not really exist. However, we are also aware that the “giants” of which the Word of God speaks did exist. These were men of great size and of impressive physical abilities. One of the most well-known “giants” is Goliath of Gath, and is found in the account of David and Goliath in 1Samuel chapter 17.
This account has been the basis of many a narrative in which the “giant”, or the great and mighty opposition is soundly defeated by the swift action, or the tenacity and perseverance of his diminutive foe. There have been “fairy tales” told, books written, and movies made, some animated and others not, which had this as a storyline. More importantly, there is a lesson for each of us, if we will just heed the lesson and apply it within our lives.
We aren’t likely to have physical foes of the imposing stature of Goliath of Gath. We are to understand that he was indeed real, and he and warriors from the army of the Philistines terrorized the army of Israel for a time. It simply took someone who served God, had faith in God and who looked to God for strength and deliverance to overcome and defeat the enemy.
Young David, in 1Samuel 17:37 stated with full confidence: 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. King Saul, grateful that he himself did not have to face the giant, told David: Go, and the LORD be with thee. Saul, whether he realized it or not, was giving David some sage advice, which if followed will help us as we face the “giants” in our lives. As each of us have these in our lives, we need to be aware of the means by which we can overcome the “giants” we face day to day.
What might be the “giants” we face? These are perhaps too numerous to list, as everyone is different and all live under various circumstances. But there are a number of these that might be familiar to us. One “giant” has a rather broad description as many things fall into this category. Its name is evil. Romans 12:21 tells us: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. If we want to defeat the evil that presents itself to us daily, it can only be done by challenging it with good from God.
Evil is indeed a “giant”. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus told His apostles that we have the power over evil. He said: For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Can we not see that we have the power to overcome, if we will but control our minds? The Spirit had Paul write of this in Philippians 4:12-13. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God has provided us all we need to kill the “giants” in our lives, if we will simply avail ourselves of it. The apostle Peter was directed to write of this in 2Peter 1:3. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: But even that which God has provided is of little use unless we access it. Why do you think David chose five smooth stones, rather than the armor Saul offered? He knew what would work. 1Samuel 17:38-40 shows this to be the case. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
As we face our obstacles, and the many things that might deter us from serving God, let us become giant killers. Take what God has given us (His Holy Word) and learn to be proficient in the use of it. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15) Then take on all that stands between you and God. You can and will defeat the enemy, regardless of its size. We can see from 1Corintians 10:13 that God has made a way for us to be giant killers. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Go ahead, face your giant(s). Prevail over that obstacle. Have faith in God, serve God and look to His Word for strength – Become a “Giant killer”.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
