Don’t Resurrect Your Giants

Have you ever been given victory over a giant in your life, only to face the same thing later on? I have. Many times. And right now is no exception.

Last night at Chi Alpha, my friend and brother Nate shared a sermon on being a giant killer. He took the well-known story of David and Goliath and was able to apply it to the giants we face in our own lives. Basically, he gave 4 characteristics of giant killers:

• Giant killers don't start out as giant killers.
  
  • David started out as a shepherd. He was faithful with what he was given, and that prepared him for the challenges he would face later.
    
• Giant killers don't listen to doubting critics.
  
  • They choose their influences wisely. What would have happened if David had listened to his brother or Saul? He likely would have backed off in fear, and we wouldn't have the story of a young man putting the entire Philistine army to shame.
    
• Giant killers are ready for giant challenges.
  
  • When the time came for David to fight, he didn't put it off for another day. He had prepared himself by daily being in the Word and in prayer, so when his time came to take a stand for the name of the Lord, he was ready.
    
• Giant killers help others defeat their giants.
  
  • You cannot help someone else take down their giant unless you've taken down your own.
    

That last point hit home last night. Right now God has put me in a position to walk someone through a situation that I recently dealt with. I came through victorious, though not without bumps and bruises along the way. But because of this situation we're facing right now, I have been reliving that battle almost on a daily basis. It has been getting hard lately, but last night I almost had to laugh as I could hear God saying "Andrea, you've already taken down this giant. Don't resurrect it!" It is beginning to sink in that He didn't bring this situation into my life for me to relive last year, but to help someone else be victorious. I've heard so many times before "You minister most effectively in your area of brokenness," but for once I'm seeing it in my own life. What a great privilege and responsibility.

So my questions to you are this: What giants are you facing in your life today? Maybe it's bitterness; or perhaps insecurity. Maybe decisions that need to be made, or a family that is falling apart. I don't know what you may be facing today, but whatever it is, I encourage you to arm yourself for battle by being in the Word and in prayer constantly. He will give you victory. All you have to do is ask. My other question is: Is there someone in your life who is battling something you've already gone through? God just may be calling you to help them take it down. Ask Him for wisdom, and for opportunities to give away the victory you've been given.

Finally, when you have taken down a giant, leave him there. Once he's dead, go on with life and don't pick him up and try to carry him around with you.

Don't resurrect your giants.