My First Real Giant

This is one of those lessons that’s easy to write and easy to read. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to live. Reading about difficult times and preparing for difficult times is easy to do, but standing up in the middle of those times and trusting God…not so much.

When it comes to facing giants, so far in my life they’ve more closely resembled an Ewok than Chewbacca. I consider myself blessed that I’ve walked with others through more troubled times than I’ve had to endure personally. But reading back through this week’s lesson definitely hits home right now in my life. My father died unexpectedly in May. He was only 60 years old and appeared healthy and strong. He was my best friend and we had a great relationship, which makes losing him so tough. This is one of the giants our lesson speaks of. Reading through verses 45-47 and seeing how David had to completely trust God even though his circumstances were shaky, has spoken loudly this week.

I think I recognize what David was feeling as he approached Goliath. He had been challenged before and God saw him through it. He trusted God completely with his life and knew God would do what was best. But he still had to confront a giant and display his trust. Saying he trusted God without taking the battlefield would’ve made him a liar. I’ve seen God work in my life many times over. I’ve seen Him heal my best friends when they lost their 9-month-old daughter. I’ve seen Him heal families torn apart by infidelity. I’ve seem Him do many great things, but now I realize it’s my turn to take to the battlefield. Now the giant is calling my name and I have to respond. I praise God everyday that I don’t have to move alone. As David confidently selected a rock knowing God was with him, I now do the same. I’m still really early in the process; I’m probably in the “Trying on Saul’s Armor Stage,” but I know what’s ahead and I know who will walk through it with me.

The truth is you can’t really be ready for a giant. Nothing can fully prepare you for dealing with death or sickness or any other tragedy. The only thing you can do is walk closely with God today and trust Him with your tomorrow. It’s the daily walk with Christ that prepares you and then sustains you through tough times. David didn’t show up that memorable day and pray that some god would help him. He knew the God he served and loved would show up. I’m learning that’s how you deal with giants. You simply hold on as God moves. No matter how dark the days seem or painful the loss, the God that helped a shepherd slay Goliath is walking beside you and me today. That brings me a lot of comfort and I hope it does you too.