Reflection of the Day-Facing Our Giants
We are familiar with the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
Goliath, a giant standing over 9 feet tall, terrifies the army of Israel. Everyday shouts a challenge to the army of Israel and insults God.
Then comes the young shepherd boy who presented himself to King Saul. Confident that he can slay the giant. King Saul allowed David to face Goliath, putting the future of the whole of Israel in the hands of the young shepherd.
The battle ended quickly. With just one stone thrown from his sling, David knocked the giant down!
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Reflections
It's astounding to imagine that a young shepherd, who had no battle experience, could beat a seasoned warrior, and a giant, like Goliath. Moreover, David did that using a slingshot only.
What is more astonishing though is, why King Saul put the future of Israel in the hands of a young scrawny kid. How did David convince the King that he could do what no Israelite soldier would dare do?
As I read this story a few times over, I believe David has shown us how to overcome our obstacles and reach our goals.
Focus on the Prize. After David heard Goliath challenging the soldiers of Israel, he also overheard that the King was offering wealth and his daughter, the princess, in marriage to whoever could defeat Goliath. He asked several soldiers to verify what the prize is and goal is.
The prize is wealth and a princess for a wife!
The goal is to kill the giant.
David went for it.Don't Focus on the Obstacle. In the discussion between David and King Saul, David did not focus on how big and fearsome Goliath is.
He focused on what had accomplished and what he could do. More importantly...
Focus on Who's Got Your Back. David did not boast that he killed the lion and the bear on his own. He emphasized that he got the living God on his back when he faced the wild beasts and rescued the sheep. In the same way, he knows that God will be protecting him against the Philistine (he did not even mention "giant"). I believe this is how he convinced the King to let him fight Goliath. When he finally faced Goliath, he declared. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
Focus on Your Skills. King Saul gave David the King's armor and sword, but David refused and preferred to use the weapon of his choice. The slingshot.
Be Prepared. David did not just prepare to defeat Goliath. That's why he picked up five stones. Goliath was not the only giant out there. There were four others. David was so sure that he could defeat Goliath with one stone, but in case the other giants attacked, he made sure he got one stone for each.
To Sum It Up
Don't Focus on the Problem, Focus on the Solution Instead. First of all David did not focus on how big Goliath is. He did not focus on the problem. Instead he focused on how he can beat the giant.
We may face a gigantic or Goliath-sized problems. I'm not saying we ignore the problem. Acknowledge that there we are facing a giant, but don't focus on how big the problem is.
We may be buried in debts, or we struggle to make ends meet. Right now, that's the biggest Goliath I am facing right now. Even with a regular job, my debt is still growing. Yeah, our Goliath could grow bigger if we ignore it.
Focus on the Solution. David refused to use the King's armor and sword. Instead he faced Goliath with a weapon he already mastered. A slingshot.
This means we should focus on using what skills we have right now. As David has demonstrated, a small stone can bring down a 9-foot plus giant. Also, picked up five stones just in case the other giants attacks.
What skills do you currently have? Are you a good writer? A graphic designer? A musician? A dancer? Use your skills. As gurus would say, use your core gifts?
God is Bigger Than any Goliaths. David's biggest secret weapon however is not his slingshot. It is his faith in the God of Israel. He knew God was with him when faced the lion and the bear. He knows that God will be with him when he faces Goliath.
So, when you are facing a huge problem, have faith. God is bigger than any problem, and he's got your back.
Personal Sharing
It took me about three days to finish this article. I think "now" (Dec 3) is the perfect time to finish it though. I am facing a huge financial problem and I have been worried about it for the past few days. Writing the "To Sum It Up" portion, gave me an idea how to earn extra cash online. The idea is not new to me. However, I had been overthinking for far too long to try any of those ideas.
I've been thinking of stiff competition online and I have no "credentials" or portfolio. Yeah, just like David, he did not have a battle experience nor training, yet he defeated Goliath.
Thus after this, I will pick up my five stones and get ready to face my Goliath.
Thanks for reading.
Post No. 2023-50
Date Posted: December 4, 2023, Philippine Standard Time
All images are mine unless otherwise indicated.
Originally posted in https://ecency.com/hive-109288/@jloberiza/reflection-of-the-day-facing
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