FAITH THAT SLAYS GIANTS
 
Why do we need to slay the giants in our lives?  They rob us of our peace, joy, and future.  They keep us from God’s plan for our lives.  They full us with unfounded fears. And more importantly, they keep us from trusting in Jesus and allowing His glory from being manifested in our lives.
 
David, the young shepherd boy, will forever be known for standing before the giant Goliath.  David’s victory did more than win this battle.  It returned hope to the people of God.  It revealed God’s love and involvement in the lives His people.  It brought faith/glory back to God.  What can we learn from David’s experience?

Life has its giants.  If you have never faced one, just live a little longer.
 
Are you aware of the giant in your life?  Yes, it has already changed God’s plan for your life.  But take Heart, because God never runs out of plans for us when we can admit where our fears have brought us. 
 
What is that thing/situation that drains you and robs you of your peace?  What is it that cause you to have down days?   Cause you to relive your past, and have you asking yourself how I got here.  Can you imagine what victory over your giant would do?  Take a moment and think about it.
 
As I studied this passage on David’s victory, I saw seven truths that can help us exercise faith that will slay the giants of our lives:  Scripture Focus:  1 Samuel 17:1-47 
 
  1. The way we see our giant is important.  The men of Israel saw Goliath defying them (v. 25).  David saw Goliath as defying God (v. 45). The men of Israel did not believe they could win.  Whose giant would you want to face?
     
  2. Know the weapon of your enemy:  David knew the weapon of Goliath.  Goliath had a sword, a weapon used in close contact; a spear, a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp point for thrusting or throwing; and a javelin, which is a light spear that can be thrown at a distance.  Weapons to kill his enemy at any distance.
     
  3. Know what you have:  David had five stones and a sling. But that was not what he depended upon.  David was able to say to Goliath “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you defied.”  David understood the power of the name of the Lord.  He understood that God has unseen armies.
     
  4. Know the purpose of your enemy:  The giant was out to defy God by defiling Israel.  All the men of Israel fled from, the giant, Goliath in fear.  There had no confidence in their God.  The giant was out to destroy their faith in a God who could bring victory.
     
  5. Know God’s purpose:  To co-labor with his servants David to defeat the giant.   To manifest the faith of His servants that both encourages His people and brings glory to God.
     
  6.  Know your motivation:  David knew his motivation and stated:  “…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”  (vs. 46b-47).  Powerful motives:
  • That all the earth may know there is a God in Israel
  • That all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with    sword and spear.
  • That the battle is the Lord’s.
  • That God would give the victory 
  1. Know you must stand against your giant.  “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47b.  David stood in confidence before His God.  David took the stone from his bag, placed it in his sling, slung it at Goliath and left the results to God. 
          The giant is defeated.
 
        God is glorified:  The Philistine fled.  The men of Israel pursued the Philistines and plundered their tents.  God glorifying faith
accomplished God’s purpose and makes Him known and encourages His people.
 
FAITH THAT SLAYS GIANTS
 
How can we apply these principles to slay the giants in our lives? 
  1. How do you see your giant?  Can you believe that God wants to give you victory over your giant?  It interfered with your past, but you can keep it from interfering with your future.
     
  2. Know the weapons of your enemy:  What weapons does your giant use against you?  We can either focus on the past, the problem, or depend on Almighty God to reveal His glory in our future.
     
  3. Know what you haveGOD’S NAME!   
 
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe?” Proverb 18:10
 
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”  John 15:16
 
Your being chosen by God, put you on the enemy’s hit list.  Do you realize the significance of God’s name?  Your presence and future in God is bright and victorious.
 
  1. Know the purpose of your giant.  He is out to defy God.  To keep God’s best from you. He does it by you and attempt to get you off God’s path.  He wants to move you from God’s purpose and plan for your life.         
          Your giant wants you to lose faith in God.
 
          What is your giant using against you? 
  1. Know the purpose of God:  The Lord wants YOU to stand in faith before your GIANT.  Will you pray in the Name of Jesus?  Pray expecting?   Will you allow God to get the glory out of your impossible situation?
     
  2. Know your motive.  To give God the opportunity to slay your giant.  To stop the past from impacting your future.  To reveal God’s glory in your life.
     
  3. Know you must stand against your giant.  . 
  • The Lord wants YOU to stand in faith before your GIANT.
  • Will you pray in the Name of Jesus?  Pray expecting.
  • Will you allow God to get the glory out of your impossible situation?
  
ARE YOU READY TO TRUST GOD AND BRING GLORY TO GOD IN YOUR VICTORY?  LET’S SEND THAT GIANT TO THE GRAVEYARD!
 
We stand the tallest when we go on our knees before God.