You may be asking:
Who is this giant?
Where is this giant?
What does it look like to be unprepared to kill the giant?
How does one kill the giant, once prepared?
Why is it so important to kill this giant?
Before answering any of these questions it may help to read the story about David and Goliath in I Samuel 17. Not only would you be able to answer the questions above, but the story will also serve to demonstrate just how vital it is to be prepared.
(Q.) Who is this giant?
(A.) The giant is anybody who comes against the ways of the Lord or His chosen people. [I Samuel 17:10 …And the Philistine (giant) said, I defy the armies of Israel this day…26 David said, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”] In our world today the giant may look or sound like an attitude, idea, or movement expressed through an individual or group of people.
(Q.) Where is this giant?
(A.) The giant presents himself day and night. [I Samuel 17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.] The giant oftentimes manifests through family members, friends, co-workers, or even the government when expressing their own beliefs, values, or convictions.
(Q.) What does it look like to be unprepared to kill the giant?
(A.) When unprepared to kill the giant one usually looks or acts fearful and evasive. [1Sa 17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. ] We see this on multiple levels in society. The giant tends to intimidate those who are unprepared causing them to shrink back in fear. As a result the giant gets to continue his bullying practices.
(Q.) How does one prepare to kill this giant?
(A.) One prepares to kill the giant by exercising his faith in God while being tried personally or on behalf of those he’s responsible for. {James chapter 1} [1Sa 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.]
Fighting a lion or bear was no small thing for David but rather a life and death matter. Today we need to see David’s lion and the bear equal to those opposing attitudes and ideas which can be just as life threatening.
David had been watchful and ready to fight for what he was responsible for. We need to be as diligent, watching out for anything that tries to come against God or what matters to Him. We are responsible to watch and then fight for our faith. We could quickly learn that God has our back when we step up.
We prepare to kill the giant by fighting the lions or bears that stand right in front of us. Look for those attitudes, ideas, and movements that oppose the ways of God, on a personal level or on behalf of those you are responsible for. To fight means you don’t shrink back…you speak your faith!
(Q.) Once prepared, how does one kill the giant?
(A.) Killing the giant is no different than killing the lion and the bear. Once you have allowed God to prove He was with you when you fought your lions and bears, you’re ready to step up and boldly protect what matters to Him (attitudes, ideals, and movements) on a greater level. [17:38 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. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.]
The battle with this giant is not only about protecting you and those you are responsible for. This battle is a fight for the nation.
(Q.) Why is it so important to kill this giant?
(A.) This giant can and will render us to be hopeless, causing us to be enslaved by its power. Preparing for battle helps build a hope and trust is in God. This serves to empower us with the ability to pull the giant down under His power and authority. [1Sa 17:9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.]
When we parallel this story to today’s world we can see that the giant represents those who oppose God and what He cares about. Attitudes, ideals and movements rear their ugly-selves day and night causing people to become fearful and/or passive.
Knowing God and His Word can help equip us for being able to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. So, spend time with Him and get to know the One who will cause you to be victorious.
Just as David had responsibility to watch out for and protect his father’s sheep we are responsible to watch out for and protect what the Father has entrusted to us. The enemy wants to enslave you but God wants you free.
If you are not prepared to fight for our nation get yourself ready. Begin by fighting your personal lions and bears. Fight as if your life depended on the victory and you will become stronger and stronger.
When and if you lack wisdom for any battle ask for help. The Lord is always faithful and will not be upset with you for asking. But, when He gives you wisdom take Him at His word, don’t talk yourself out of doing things His way. [Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. ]
Our nation needs the David’s of this world to step up. Though God is not restrained by many or by few be on that is counted among those who live by faith.
Start speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth when you have the opportunity. Don’t let attitudes, ideals, and movements of any kind deceive you or impart lies into your heart. Know that God said He will confound the wisdom of this world.
Get ready! Get prepared! Fight the good fight of faith!
Blessings to all those who have ears to hear,
Dr. Terry
Good word.
Thank you Jeanette. If we’d all be prepared we’d see a different world.