“Putting Life’s Battles in Perspective”
What kind of giants are you facing in your life right now? Financial and/or health problems? A future you can’t face? A past you can’t shake? A porn addiction you can’t refuse? Low esteem and/or an arrogant attitude? Goliath stands for those specific things in our lives which oppress us and frustrate us and keep us from moving on and becoming what God wants us to be. You may be shocked to know the role perspective plays in all of this. Like attitude, it focuses and forms the way we see and perceive the world. Many times the only difference between someone who’s on fire for Christ and someone who’s struggling is perspective. Our scripture today will help us to focus on God and not the “Goliaths” in our lives. As we read, keep in mind that the Philistines represent the enemies of God in our lives --- anything which impedes the progress of God’s people. Perspective can make the difference between
power or
panic, and
faith or
fear. Keep in mind… focus on giants – you stumble; focus on God – your giants tumble. Here, then, are six biblical ways you can overcome the “giants” in your life…
1.
Name your problem - Intimidation is our major battle when we face giants. Think about what’s on your mind first thing in the morning and what keeps you awake at night…and name it! The first step in overcoming any addiction (step 1 of 12) is “admitting you have a problem.”
2.
Be prepared - This sounds like a “duh” statement, but think about how many times we’re really unprepared to deal with our problems and reality. Draw on God’s past faithfulness and don’t discount what God is doing in your life right now. God calls us to be faithful right where we’re at, and then uses our faithfulness to accomplish greater things for Him.
3.
Don’t give in to peer-pressure - Allow the cause to overcome any criticism you’re facing. Stop blaming others and start believing what God can do. Another great reason to “hide His Word in your heart.” How can we expect to be conquerors if we don’t have a clue what God’s Word says and what His promises are?
4.
Change your perspective - In any situation, what you ARE determines what you see…and what you SEE determines what you do. So what are you? Someone who dabbles in church, in the things of God, in prayer? (Jesus calls that “sand”) Or someone who’s serious about scripture, about their quiet time, and about the power of prayer? (that’s called “rock”) Building the house on which? Sand or rock?
While Israel saw a giant and said, “He’s too big, we can’t win,” David saw an uncircumcised Philistine and thought, “He’s so big, I can’t miss.”
5.
Proclaim God’s name - In this story, notice that NO ONE discusses God except David – and that’s ALL he talks about. He sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do (see #4).
6.
Be pro-active…don’t procrastinate - When you decide to delay you decide to deny. Don’t. Notice that David runs TOWARD his problem, not away from it.
Q: Why is it important to call sin “sin?”
Q: How do we know when we cross the line from trusting God to trusting methods?
BOTTOM LINE: Fear has a way over time of demoralizing our lives, robbing us of hope and faith.
What are the things that oppress you? Keep in mind, there is a way to bring the “giants” to their knees. Scripture tells us, as we have seen here, that God intends for us to reign as kings – to overcome the evil one. Our perspective determines how we respond to “giants”. Make no mistake, the victory is certain. That is a promise God has given us. The choice to fight is simple in theory but difficult in reality – to fight in the flesh or rest in the comfort of knowing the battle has already been fought and won!
