1 SAMUEL 17:32
If you have read the Scriptures, it is likely you have heard of the Philistines.
The Philistines were a seafaring nation of people who tried to invade Egypt, but it didn’t work. So they moved a little bit north and started taking ground in the southern part of Israel, now called Gaza. Israel’s army went out to meet the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. Goliath, a Philistine who stood nine feet, nine inches tall, would storm out onto the field twice a day to taunt the Israelite army and challenge them to send out their biggest warrior to fight him in a winner-takes-all battle.
Meanwhile, Jesse was living a humble life raising sheep. Several of his sons had joined the Israelite army to battle the Philistines, leaving only the youngest, David, to take care of the sheep. One day, Jesse asked David to take food down to his brothers, and when David got there, he saw the Israelites shaking in their armor.
David had gotten pretty good at throwing stones with his sling as he learned to protect the sheep, and he decided to take on Goliath’s challenge.
Saul’s armor did not fit David, so he walked out on the field without it. David didn’t start hurling rocks at the whole Philistine army; he picked the biggest target and hit what he was aiming for right in the forehead. You remember how the story ended, with David winning the day.
Giants come in all types. Perhaps fear of failure has led you toward a habit of deferral. Whatever your giant is for you, name it. You need to know what you are up against before you can do something about it. What giants are keeping you shaking in your shoes today? What feels like a nine-foot-nine obstacle standing between you and the big life filled with the kind of joy and peace and freedom Jesus talked about?
Call out that giant today and take the shot.
Catching Whimsy
Bob Goff