Inevitably, no matter how great your life is, a giant will show up at your door. Not a real one, of course, but a trial that is so big that it blocks all hope from our vision. Chances are that even those who are not religious will have some frame of reference for phrases related to the story of David and Goliath. But just in case you are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, the account of David’s battle with the giant Philistine is recorded in the Bible in 1 Samuel 17.

Here are a few things I noticed in the actual passage that I believe apply to us, even today, with our own giants.

Recognize the Giant

David was taking a meal to his big brothers out on the battlefield. He heard the taunting of the Philistines and their defying of God. David did not pretend the giant was not there. He pointed out the giant and his sin against God. What is your giant? Is there a sin that needs to be called out? Is there an illness to be named or a trauma that needs to be healed?

Remember What God Has Done

David remembered that God had helped him to save his sheep from the lion and the bear. What has God done for you that you need to remember? As I’ve walked with my parents through this stroke Dad had a few weeks ago, I have reminded myself and my family of all the ways God has cared for Dad and our family recently and in the past.

Put the Giant in Proper Place Compared to God

I have heard or seen memes on several occasion that say, “How big is your problem on a scale of 1 to God?” David recognized that compared to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who had rescued him personally from lions and bears, that giant was tiny. God was not surprised by Goliath and He is not surprised by the season of life you are in, your finances, your sin, your illness, your job loss… fill in the blank. And He is bigger than it all!

Tell the Giant Who’s Boss

David told the giant what God had done for Him already and what God was about to do to the Giant for defying the Lord. Sometimes we need to speak out loud against circumstances, spirits, powers, our own self-doubt. Say who God is out loud. Sing praises (sometimes that’s a sacrifice). Shout it out! Call someone who is an encourager. Say it until you believe it yourself.

Kill It!

David shot one stone into the air with a slingshot and knocked that Philistine out cold. He cut off his head, and the Israelites chased a shocked and terrified army far into their retreat.

How are you called to kill your giant? Now, there are some giants that will only be battled in prayer because there is nothing we can do in the physical world, but there are many that we have some control over. If your finances are out of control, take a Dave Ramsey course or talk to a friend who knows how to budget. If your marriage is spiraling, talk to a counselor or read a book together on whatever you are struggling with. Are drugs ruining your life? Enroll in a rehab program. Whatever your giant is, pray about how to kill it, have faith, and do it! Don’t be satisfied with knocking it out though. Cut off its head and chase the enemy into retreat!

Give Him Glory

Parade that head around and tell other people what God has done. Tell them about the victory you continue to pray for and miracles that have already taken place. David is not the only giant slayer!