1 Samuel 17:10-11 Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
“If there’s a Goliath in front of you, that means there’s a David inside of you.” – Carlos A. Rodriguez
Emotional or egoistic battles provoked by conceit end in disaster. Emotional battles are inflamed by misunderstanding or insecurity and egoistic battles are driven by pride or pettiness. Such battles augment arguments and strain relationships but never bring solutions to our problems. Part of the problem is our own emotional instability and egotism. Not all our problems are giants in front of us. David battled with the Goliath in front of him but sometimes the giant of insecurity, envy, low self-esteem or pride could be hidden in us and not in front of us.
Many times we don’t win the Goliaths that we face because our fight is flared by ego or emotional pain. David did not plunge into battle because Goliath hurt his ego; he stepped into the battlefield because the giant slandered the name of the Lord. He fought the demonic monster that was spuing pejorative slanders against the Lord God Almighty.
David was accused of pride, nosiness and recklessness. When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? .. I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle” (vs 28). Yet, David didn’t pick a fight against his brother nor did he allow the accusations to stop him from fighting the enemy. It is important to fight against the enemy who tries to belittle us and belabour our position as the children of the Almighty God.
Our battle is not against our boss, co-worker or in-laws. It is against the demonic forces that are trying to steal our blessings. Don’t be incited by attacks on your ego or emotions.
1. Ask: Ask the right questions. David asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”(vs 26b). David did not fight because his ego was hurt; he fought against deception and the lies of the devil. Question your intention behind the agitation – “Am I fighting to satisfy my ego or to establish my birthright as a Child of God.”
2. Assess: Assess the problem. Is the giant in us or in front us? Pick the battle and the battleground. If the giant is hiding in you, fight the enemy with fasting and prayer.
3. Attack: Attack with spiritual weapons not words and warrants. When the devil tries to convince us to accept the deception, attack the giant in you with God’s word, praise and prayer.
Is the battle incited by ego and emotions or passion for Christ?
Is the giant in you or in front of you?
Psalm 18:29 For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to ask the right questions, assess wisely and attack the intimidating giant with your strength. Amen.
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