In 1 Samuel 17, we find David, a young shepherd boy, facing the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath. Despite his size and strength, David courageously steps forward to fight Goliath, armed with just a sling and a stone. With one swift strike, David defeats the giant, proving that victory is possible even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
In our lives, a giant can be anything that opposes the purpose of God. It could be fear, anxiety, shame, regret, addiction, insecurity, depression, or any other obstacle that stands between us and what God has planned for us. Just like Goliath, giants are loud, persistent, and intimidating. They look for ways to push our buttons and refuse to back down.
To overcome these giants, we need to take steps of obedience. David's victory over Goliath didn't happen overnight; it was the culmination of many secret battles fought in private. These battles prepared him to face the giant in the public arena. Similarly, our obedience in small things paves the way for victory in big things. How we respond in the small battles determines our success in the significant ones.
David's journey towards defeating Goliath began with a forward focus. When he approached the battle line and heard Goliath's taunts, something rose up within him. He couldn't stand by and let the giant mock the living God. David's heart was aligned with God's purpose, and he was unwilling to let the giant prevail.
As believers, we also need to have a forward focus, leaving behind the past and reaching for what lies ahead. Paul put it this way...
Our memories can play tricks on us, creating narratives that hold us back. Instead, we must forget our past failures, regrets, and shame. Dwelling on these things only hinders our progress. By shifting our position and looking towards what God has in store for us, we can move forward with confidence.
