Life often throws challenges at us that seem insurmountable—financial struggles, health issues, relationship breakdowns, career stagnation, or even doubts about our faith. These are our modern-day “giants,” and they can be intimidating. But there’s an age-old story that offers us timeless lessons on how to confront these giants with unwavering faith: the story of David and Goliath.
1. Identify Your Giant
The first step in facing your giant is acknowledging its existence. David didn’t shy away from Goliath’s size or reputation. Instead, he confronted it head-on.
“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26).
This wasn’t just bravado; David recognized Goliath as an affront not only to Israel but also to God. When you identify your own giants—be it fear, doubt, anxiety, or a difficult situation—name them. What’s standing between you and your dreams? Sometimes, just putting a name to your struggle diminishes its power.
2. Remember Your Strengths
David didn’t come to the battlefield as an inexperienced warrior. He brought with him a résumé of past victories: a lion and a bear that he had fought to protect his sheep.
“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them” (1 Samuel 17:36).
In the face of your giants, remember your own victories. Reflect on past challenges you’ve overcome. What skills or strengths helped you then? This isn’t about boasting; it’s about recognizing the tools God has equipped you with. Just as David had his slingshot and stones, you have your own arsenal of experiences and talents.
3. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own
Remembering your strengths doesn’t mean you should rely on them. When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul doubted him because he was young, inexperienced, and unarmed (1 Samuel 17:33). Yet, David understood something profound: his strength didn’t come from his own abilities but from God. He recounted how God had delivered him from the paws of the lion and the bear, declaring that God would also deliver him from this giant (1 Samuel 17:37).
When facing your giants, it’s easy to feel inadequate or ill-equipped. But like David, remember that God has delivered you from past challenges, and He will do it again.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7)
4. Seek God’s Guidance
Before stepping onto the battlefield, David didn’t just rely on his skills; he sought God’s help.
“The battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).
When faced with your giants, prayer is your most powerful weapon. Seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Whether it’s through Scripture, meditation, or simply being still in His presence, allow God to direct your steps. Trust that He has a plan, even when the path seems murky.
5. Use What You Have
David didn’t try to wear King Saul’s armor because it wasn’t made for him (1 Samuel 17:38-39). Instead, he took five smooth stones and a sling—tools he was familiar with. Sometimes, when facing our giants, we may feel like we need more resources or skills. But God has already equipped you with what you need. Your gifts, talents, and unique life experiences are all you need to face your giant.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
6. Take Action, Even if It Seems Crazy
David’s choice of weapon was unconventional. A slingshot against a sword? Ridiculous, right? But David didn’t let conventional wisdom deter him. Sometimes, taking action means stepping outside your comfort zone.
Are you being called to pursue that dream job, start a ministry, or reach out to someone you’ve wronged? Your giant may be telling you that you’re not qualified or that your ideas are foolish, but remember that
“the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Trust your instincts, take that leap, and watch how God can turn your actions into victories.
7. Stay Focused on the Goal
As David prepared to fight, he remained focused on the goal—glorifying God and delivering His people. With each swing of the slingshot, he wasn’t just aiming for Goliath; he was aiming to demonstrate God’s power to all of Israel.
In the face of your giants, keep your eyes on the prize. What’s your ultimate goal? When you’re driven by a purpose greater than yourself, it’s easier to withstand the pressure and distractions that come from battling giants.
8. Speak Faith Over Your Situation
David didn’t just quietly face Goliath; he spoke to him with boldness: *“You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”* (1 Samuel 17:45). His words were filled with confidence in God’s power, not in his own ability.
When facing your giants, speak God’s promises over your situation. Declare victory, healing, provision, and peace, even when you don’t see it yet. Words have power, and speaking in faith activates God’s hand in your life.
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” (Mark 11:23)
9. Remember Who Fights for You
As David approached Goliath, he didn’t see himself as alone. He knew the battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). This assurance is crucial when facing our giants. It’s not about how strong we are but how powerful our God is.
When you’re tempted to think that your problem is too big, remind yourself that God is bigger. He’s never lost a battle, and He won’t start with you.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
10. Celebrate Your Victory (and Others’ Too!)
When David struck Goliath down, he didn’t just win a battle; he ignited a wave of faith throughout Israel.
“David ran and stood over him; he took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the sheath”
(1 Samuel 17:51).
Once you’ve conquered your giant, don’t forget to celebrate! Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. And remember to uplift others facing their own battles. Your victory can inspire someone else to find their faith and courage.
Conclusion: Slaying the giant
Facing giants is no easy feat, but like David, we can approach them with faith, courage, and a little bit of wit. So the next time you find yourself standing before a daunting challenge, remember David’s example.
David took one stone, slung it, and struck Goliath on the forehead, and the giant fell face down on the ground (1 Samuel 17:49).
It took just one act of faith, one step forward in courage, to bring down a seemingly insurmountable giant.
In the same way, when you face your giants with faith, equipped with God’s promises, you will see them fall. After all, the same God who delivered David from the paw of the lion and the bear is the same God who walks with you through every battle you face. Remember that the victory is already yours because the battle belongs to the Lord. Stand firm, trust Him, and watch as He fights for you.
So, as you prepare to slay your giants, let faith be your slingshot, and watch as you emerge victorious, giving glory to God in every frame of your journey.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
(2 Chronicles 20:15)
Call to Action
What giants are you facing today? Take a moment to pray, asking God for the courage to face them just as David did. Write down a list of scriptures that remind you of God’s strength and promises, and declare them daily over your life. Step out in faith, and watch God bring your giants tumbling down.