How to Kill a Giant

Do you have any issues in your life that seem to be bigger than you?

Looking back on my life there have been some things that really used to overwhelm me. For example, some of you know that for a few years when I was between the ages of 16 and 22, I suffered from an eating disorder. Interestingly, the years that I spent at my last Bible College, contained almost no eating struggles at all. This was probably because I was constantly in the Word, and hanging around people who were filled with a spirit of faith. (I'm not sure what that says about my subsequent year as a full time minister...)

Ultimately, I learned to "repack my backpack" and think totally differently about food and my self. I haven't thought much about calories or my weight for the last 17 years or so, and I have had those four darling kids. Somehow, I still have ripped, "six-pack" abs.

But that is not really what this post is about.

I want to talk about killing giants. Bulimia was perhaps the most dominant giant in my life, but I always knew that overcoming it, would equip me to face anything else that came my way.

One thing I know for sure is that the company you keep plays a huge part in the success you will reap.

Let's look at the most famous giant killer in history- David. Before David publicly slew Goliath, he privately killed both a lion and a bear, who happened to be threatening the sheep in his care. David was just a giant killer, whether any one was watching or not.

Key #1: Remember that the battles you win in private grant you the right to win in public.

Poor Saul, never had that opportunity, so...

Soon after David's amazing public victory, the would-be king found himself running for over a dacade from King Saul who had gone perfectly mad with jealousy.

Key #2: Never cave in to jealousy.

It was during this season that all of the Losers of the Land joined themselves to David. He gathered about 400 men who were "in debt, distress, and discontented" and they became the mightiest fighters in history. Their exploits became legendary, and from among them arose more giant killers.

Key #3 -If you want to become a giant killer, then hang around true giant killers!

I have the most incredible relationships with some amazing "giant-slaying" types of people. They are so good for me. With them I can share my doubts and limiting beliefs and they can look me in the eye and laugh, not at me - but at the silly belief. And sometimes, in a moment, that giant is downed.

I hope you are surrounded by people like that.

If not, refuse to be intimidated by people who have conquered those giants that still prevail against you. Instead, befriend the giant killers. You may find out that in reality, those heroes are not bigger than you, they have just climbed a bit higher. Most likely, they will be happy to extend a hand to pull you up as well. (Besides, you can bet they still have a few issues of their own.)

If you can't spend time with them in person, than saturate yourself with their materials. Read their books; listen to their voice. You will soon share their spirit of faith.

Disclaimer - It goes without saying that the "enemies" and "giants" that we destroy in our lives are never people!

Now, go play!

See 1st Samuel 22, 1 Chron 20,

2 Samuel 22:38-40
38 "I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
39 I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
40 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.