We All Have Giants to Slay
There’s not a kid that ever went to bible class that hasn’t heard the story of David and Goliath. The story of the shepherd boy who went head to head with the Philistine champion who stood over 10 feet tall is a bible classic. The victory given to David by the Lord, despite uneven odds, is the same success we all seek over the various temptations faced throughout our lives.
Christians stand in the valley, challenged by the devil, just as David stood in front of the giant in the Valley of Elah. (1 Samuel 17:2) David had the king’s armor available to him (though he chose not to wear it). We are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God so to defend ourselves against the schemes and fiery darts of the devil. (Eph. 6:10-20) As Jesus came out of the wilderness, He took the devil straight on. Satan tempted Him in all the ways that he tempts us, yet the Lord never gave in to sin. (Heb. 4:15) At times, the enticements of sin seem gigantic, powerful and ten feet tall, they become our “Goliath”! But just as David loaded a small smooth stone into his sling, we must have the sword of the spirit drawn and read to slay our adversary, the devil who walks about like a predator seeking whom he can destroy and devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
The giants you battle may be different than the ones I face, but the strength and eventual victory comes from the source, our Almighty God! As Philippians 4:13 states so well, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And with this strength, we will slay all of our giants.
Jay Launius
2022
Maud church of Christ
Maud, Texas