Facing Our Goliath
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.  Psalm 18:34-39
 
After a titillating message, there was a phrase that stayed with me throughout the day. It caused me to think seriously about the Goliaths in my life that need a swift smooth stone because I have allowed them to hinder me from moving forward in some areas. It was such an “aha” moment and I realized that I am bigger than any Goliath because it is the Lord who and gives me the strength and the power to go up against my enemy.
 
In the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), David was sent by his father to check on his brothers and bring food. While he was there, he heard the giant Goliath spewing threats and David saw that the men were afraid and paralyzed with fear by him. I can imagine David looking around and saying what is wrong with you before he said to them, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of living God? If you’re too scared then I will fight Goliath.” Now, David was not even dressed for battle in the natural sense; he was dressed in his shepherd’s clothes, carrying his sling and a pouch that had five smooth stones. Even when offered, he didn’t want all of the armor that came with being on the battlefield; he wanted to use his weapon of choice, the one that he was comfortable with, the one that he was familiar with using. David had skills with that sling! I heard the preacher say, you have to use the weapon that works best for you to go after your Goliath (i,e., prayer, fasting, seeking God; Mark 9:28-29). And while Goliath was yelling, David simply said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel … and as Goliath moved in for the kill, David slung one stone ... 
 
Even though all of the men, including his brothers were afraid of Goliath, David faced him fearless and with confidence knowing the God he served would prevail. God wants us to move in that same vein when it comes to our Goliaths. He wants us free from worry, free from stress and free from the fears of this world. We have to keep our minds as David, knowing the God of our salvation is with us no matter what giants we are facing. Fear will cripple, paralyze and keep us from developing and not just in our spiritual walk but in our natural lives as well. Fear keeps us from moving forward. The scripture tells us that He did not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. We must stand firm and not be afraid and have the faith and trust that David possessed.  He knew that no man could come against the all powerful and mighty God. Simply, if God is for us, who or what can be against us. Absolutely, nothing can stand against His power. Look at Goliath, speaking loudly and spurting nonsense because of his size just to intimidate, frighten, and terrorize. However, look where that got him. Our Goliaths appear to be grand in size, while talking loudly and wreaking havoc whenever they can to incite fear in efforts to keep us immobilized. Like Saul and his army, scared to move forward and take on the enemy.
 
As I encourage you with this story, I encourage myself as well.  Let’s go full speed ahead and not run in the opposite direction or allow fear to keep us bound. Let’s begin to face our Goliaths (problems, circumstances, situations) with faith and trust in the God who said He would fight for us and with us!
 
Until the morning, be blessed!
Cynde
|