Facing Goliath

Goliath

The story of David and Goliath is one we are all familiar with, right? Young David faces the giant Goliath and takes him down.

45-47 David answered, “You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. (I Samuel 17 MSG).

Yesterday my niece and I ran the a 5k with obstacles called the “Goliath Challenge.” This was not my first 5k. However, it was the first time I ran one without specifically training for one. Not the smartest move I have ever made. This year they made the course more difficult. We began by running up a ski slope. Steep hills like that are meant for skiing down not running up. To add to that they added more obstacles and more difficult ones. I like a challenge, but this was daunting. I felt like I was facing Goliath.

How often does life put something in front of us that feels like a giant we can’t take down. Illness, job loss, family challenges and loss of a loved one are just a few of the giants we can face. It doesn’t really matter what it is. If it feels like a giant to us, it’s a giant. Many aspects of “cleaning house” feel like facing Goliath. Maybe the giant is going back to school or making a job change. Maybe God has called you to something that feels monumental and taking the next step is scary.

David declares that he comes in the name of “the God of Angel Armies.” How often do we forget that for ourselves? I know I need to be continually reminded that I go in the name of that God. A God who is powerful, almighty and will not be defeated. When I put Him first, I can face anything.

The 5k was the giant of the day. It inflicted pain and suffering on my body. I was muddy, sweaty and soaking wet from the obstacles. There was one obstacle that was a two-inch rope that spanned 20 feet. Above me on either side was a rope to hang onto. We were to walk across the rope and not fall off. I’m a little short in stature. I could barely reach the ropes above. I was certain I would fall but determined to try. That was just the first challenge to be more difficult due to my height. None the less Goliath was conquered.

There was actually one obstacle where fear stopped me. I was to step on a spinning cylinder and jump across to the landing. I stopped and thought about it. I think that was my mistake. Had I just trusted and went for it, it would have gone better. Instead I stood there and thought about all the different ways I could break an ankle on this particular challenge. I seriously considered backing up and going around it. After running the options, I went for it. I didn’t break an ankle.

Through all of this I had forgotten one thing. I go in the name of the “God of Angel Armies.” I would have worked just as hard but fear would have been set aside. I would have had more courage. But my biggest lesson has come today. In nursing my soreness, it occurred to me that I felt stronger and more capable. I realized I had a new enthusiasm and drive to face the next Goliath. When I step out in faith-with God, not only do I accomplish what He has called me to, but I am stronger and more capable to face future Goliath’s.

What Goliath’s have you faced? Is fear holding you back? Share your story here.

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