Facing the Giants

Friday, January 29, 2010

Based on “The Valley of Blessing” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/23-24/10,

Message #MB405; Daily Devotional #4 - “Facing the Giants”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We often think of a valley as a deep, low, depressing place (Psalm 23:4). Their geographic nature is indeed that of a carved channel of land caused by rivers, glaciers, or some simply by the mountains or rocks that surround them. Most valleys are u-shaped, flanked by the sides or shoulders of the higher land masses. They vary in depth and width, but the same characteristic is always present – they are always between and connected to a stronger, higher elevation.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Reading the story of King Jehoshaphat reminds me of a familiar battle in another valley—the Valley of Elah. The Philistines and Israelites were on opposing hills with this valley separating their forces. With his shield bearer before him, a heavily-armored, nine-foot tall Philistine soldier came forward for forty straight days, encouraging war with the Israelites: "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." (1 Samuel 17:8-10) These Philistines were planted in the middle of Judah, the very same place Jehoshaphat was when armies attacked him—a place of God’s favor and victory. As the Philistines and Israelites took their battle positions, David heard the defiant threats by the giant, Goliath, and offered to fight him (1 Samuel 17:32). King Saul tried to discourage him but David reminded him how God had delivered him from previous danger (1 Samuel 17:34-37). With just five stones from the river valley and a sling, David marched forward alone to meet the giant, still protected by his shield bearer. And then we hear the same words from Jehoshaphat’s battle (2 Chronicles 20:15): All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47). Here we see how David trusted God for the victory before it even happened, just as Jehoshaphat did. When the Philistine camp realized the giant was dead they ran away, while the Israelites came in to take away the valuables that God had provided for them.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): This story isn’t about the valley or the stones or the giant, it’s about a God who still delivers us from the enemy (Hebrews 13:8). When we find ourselves in a valley, we can look up and see the strong shoulders of the Most High God protecting us, safe under His mighty wings (Psalm 91:4). When we read the Bible, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and love on every page (Psalm 86:15). When we cry out to God in times of trouble, we know He hears us (Psalm 138:3). When we face our giants, we can be sure God is with us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When we fear God in obedience and trust, He will give us wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). When we lose sight of the eternal perspective, we can refocus on God who will give us everlasting peace (Romans 5:1). When we realize we cannot be good enough for God, we can believe the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The love of God is higher, wider, deeper, and longer than we can comprehend.

We face giants every day. The question is, “How do we overcome them?” These giants can be sickness, unpaid bills, loss of job, divorce, or anything else that brings fear, anxiety, and doubt. In the Kingdom of God there will be many trials, and your enemy, Satan, will cause you to face the giants more than you would like. While on earth these giants continue to rise against us, but in Christ we are not only conquerors, we are MORE than conquerors! (Romans 8:37).