Asleep At The Wheel; Taking Back Control Of Your Lifeনমুনা

We all have moments in life where we must come face to face with our greatest fears. Adversities often present themselves as roadblocks on our journey with Christ. However, this perspective only creates a deep sense of fear and anxiety in our hearts. One very critical step we must take in order to regain control of our lives is to remember whose name and authority we walk in.

I recall a story in the Bible of a small shepherd boy with a big heart who fought an epic battle with a famous giant who was notorious for dismantling the armies of God by annihilating them one warrior at a time. This is the story of David and Goliath. There was nothing logical about the way David approached his battle with Goliath, but it’s important to note that we don’t serve a God who is defined by the laws of reason and logic. David refused his armor, instead opting for a small sling and a few smooth stones. No one believed the boy could slay this giant; not his king, nor the other warriors, nor even his own brothers by birth believed he could win.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar position. You’re facing a seemingly impossible situation and there’s no way around it except to come face to face with your giant. Like David, you know in your heart who God is and what His Word says, but the enemy won’t let your mind rest on God’s truth and His promises. Instead, your mind is consumed with worry, doubt, and fear of all the possible negative outcomes of your situation. Maybe you feel as if no one believes in you, and even your very own family members participate in tearing you down instead of lifting you up.

This is where the story of David teaches us the best possible ways to respond when facing our very own giants.

1. David knew who had ultimate authority both in Heaven and on Earth. The first question David asked was how this Philistine dared have the audacity to defy God. From David’s question, we see the popular quote in action. It’s time to stop telling God how big and powerful your giants are and start telling your giants how big and powerful your God is.
2. David did not allow the naysayers’ lack of faith to stop him from stepping out and acting on the call God placed on his heart. So many times, we gauge the validity of our call and convictions on the voices and opinions of other people rather than on the voice of the living God who called us to begin with. Like David, you must stand firm and walk courageously onto the battlefield to face your giant knowing that, as God brought you to it, He’s definitely going to bring you through it.
3. David did not allow his giant to intimidate him, because he knew where his power came from. He spoke boldly to Goliath and told him, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you....!” No more running from your battles. There is no need to let fear stop you because you know whose power and authority you walk in. Today is the time to tell your giant adversity that you will be victorious in the name of the Lord of Heaven!

4. When you achieve victory like David did, everyone, both those for and those against you, will be a witness to the mighty power and goodness of God. Your faithfulness will give others the courage to stand and face their giants too.

Vital reflections to discuss or journal about:
What’s one thing that jumped out at you in today’s Devo? What is God is saying to you through it? Say a prayer asking God to help you apply it to your life.