Giants: Overcoming Life's Overwhelming Challenges

Giants represent the formidable obstacles and challenges that appear larger than life—situations that seem insurmountable in the natural realm, holding us in their powerful grip unless confronted with faith and divine assistance.

Biblical Giants: Physical and Spiritual Realities

Goliath stands as the most notable physical example of a giant in Scripture, towering over nine feet (3 m) tall, though the spies also encountered others during their reconnaissance of the Promised Land (Num 13:33; 1 Sam 17:4). These physical giants represented more than mere size—they embodied the seemingly unconquerable obstacles that stood between God's people and their inheritance.

When faced with this overwhelming giant, David demonstrated five powerful principles: commitment – when David understood the situation, he didn't flee but confronted it and took decisive action; courage – while others trembled in fear, David's faith proved greater than his terror; communication – David exposed the enemy's lies and insults by declaring the truth of his power source; capability – though not an experienced soldier, David possessed a victorious fighting record; confidence – his trust rested in the Lord as he proclaimed, "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty" (1 Sam 17:45).

Goliath entered the scene as an arrogant soldier who despised God, yet quickly this monster and his threat of defeat were annihilated (1 Sam 17:4-51). The account reveals a crucial truth: giants are vulnerable when confronted by faith in God.

When viewed with eyes of faith, giants take on their true perspective

Modern Giants: Figurative Challenges We Face

We encounter similar giants today—challenging situations that appear bigger than reality, yet unless addressed, will maintain their powerful grip over our lives. These formidable entities serve as tools through which the forces of evil seek to ensnare, weaken, and destroy (Jn 10:10). Among these vices are alcohol, drugs, pornography, and indeed the list extends far beyond these examples.

What stands in your way, provoking feelings of helplessness and defeat, attempting to prevent you from reaching your potential in Christ? Whatever it is, it remains vulnerable, and in faith conquerable, for everything must bow before God (Rom 14:11). On our own, we are no match for these giants, so we must look beyond ourselves. Do not fix your attention on what opposes you; focus on who stands with you and the victory achievable in Christ

I will get my eye off my giant and onto our mighty God

For believers, this means exercising virtue, honor, and integrity alongside self-discipline to avoid and address these very real yet not insurmountable challenges, replacing them with godly qualities for "sin shall not be your master" (Rom 6:14; 2 Cor 10:4-5; Eph 4:22-24,27). It is essential to recognize who God is—whatever giant we face represents merely an inferior reality compared to His superior power dwelling within us.

Victory Through Divine Power

How are these menacing giants defeated? The answer is clear: "It's not by [human] might or power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty (Zech 4:6). We must co-operate with Him to witness victory that can only be attributed to His working in our lives. Size doesn't matter to God—after all, it was merely a small stone that felled the massive Goliath!

Don't you desire to be an overcomer?

As believers, we stand in the strength of Christ, for "Greater is He that is in us, than what would come against us" (Rom 8:31,37; 1 Jn 4:4). This truth transforms our perspective: the giant that looms so large in our natural vision becomes dwarfed when viewed through the lens of God's infinite power and faithfulness.

Come against them in the name of the Lord

The victory belongs to the Lord, and as we align ourselves with His purposes and rely on His strength, we discover that no giant can withstand His power working through us. The same God who empowered David to defeat Goliath stands ready to lead us to triumph over every obstacle we face.

Reflection and Application:

Identify the giants currently standing between you and God's purpose for your life.
Shift your focus from the problem's size to God's infinite power.
Apply David's five principles: commitment, courage, communication, capability, and confidence.
Trust in the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength.