GIANT – KILLERS (3)                                          1 Samuel 17:37-47

“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” (v40)

In David’s day they fought “by representation.” One man would fight for the nation as a whole, and the country of the losing warrior became subservient to the country of the conquering warrior. The upside is obvious isn’t it? Everybody didn’t have to die. So David versus Goliath was really Israel against the Philistines. It was a one-on- one contest, winners take all. We’re familiar with David’s victory over the giant with faith, a stone, and a slingshot. Yet Scripture tells us he picked up not one, but “five smooth stones.” Why? It wasn’t a lack of faith – he knew that Goliath had four brothers. Observe (1) Giant –killers realize that their giant represents greater issues. A giant never stands alone, behind him is his causes. Over eating, addiction, abuse, and anger are all driven and supported by other issues. Somewhere behind the obvious giant are his supportive brothers – pain, guilt, loss, and shame. David was prepared with five stones – one for Goliath and one for each of his four brothers. What lies behind your giant? With God’s help you can conquer both giant and his support team. (2) Giant – Killers are not over whelmed by the challenges. Never allow your fears to overwhelm your faith. The Bible says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) Fear will feed on the failures of the past, but you can’t allow yesterday’s failure to overwhelm today’s faith. So take your failings; list them on a piece of paper and boldly print at the top of the page: “Things I don’t need to try again! Lesson learned”  (TWFT)

PRAYER LINE:  “Tis alone for His appointing. That our feet on thorns have trod; suffering, pain, renunciation Only bring us nearer God – Anon.

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God sometimes puts us in the dark to show us that He is the Light.