I recently received a message from a woman who has been in prayer for my neck. She said, “This is your Goliath.” Hm. Goliath?
Goliath was a taunter—a giant who shouted defiant messages to the people of God, daring them to try to conquer him. The underlying message was simple: “If your God is so powerful, prove it; come out and fight. Deliver yourselves.” Very similar to what was heard when Jesus was on the cross. The mockers taunted, “If you’re the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
Humiliation. Frustration. That’s what everyone feels when they are facing “giants”—but how do we conquer?
Paul called his thorn in the flesh a “messenger of Satan.” He said this messenger tormented him and he pleaded with God to take it away—but God didn’t. He said, “My grace is sufficient for you. Power is perfected in weakness.”
When I was about thirteen years old I wrote a little poem that I have never forgotten:
Would that I be weak in the potter’s hand;
Would that I be helpless so that he could make me stand.
Being weak and helpless is not a good feeling. Especially when people around you seems to be looking at you with questioning eyes. “What’s the matter with you?” Here’s one I have sensed this year: “How can a silly fall affect someone so young for so long?” Whether people really think this or not, I do not know. But just the thought is a Goliath—a discouraging taunter.
Why do we suffer? Why can’t we just shake off our “Goliath” and move on? If God’s power really dwells in us why must we feel so weak and powerless? Why does he let the taunting continue? Doesn’t he care?
Yes, he does.
Our Goliath’s cannot and will not be conquered in our natural strength. It is the “name of the Lord” our God that will overcome the giants. And sometimes his power does not physically deliver us, as it did David. Sometimes the messengers, the taunters are allowed to continue.
But that should not discourage us—“greater is he who is in you” is our promise. “Remember those who have gone ahead” is our exhortation. “Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong,
“Became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. . . . others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.
“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about din sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had 1provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:33-40
Our faith saves us. It enables us to overcome the power of the sword, endure the mockery and shame, and continue fighting the good fight.
Don’t be afraid of your Goliath’s. Don’t be ashamed or dismayed. The creator of the universe is with you. You will overcome this—in the end, all will be made right. In the meantime, trust in your God. His grace will be sufficient.
“I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.” ~Psalm 30:1-2
In Grace,
Stephanie
