When we face something beyond ourselves we often can’t stop looking at it.
The author of 1 Samuel takes an entire paragraph to describe Goliath’s stature in 1 Samuel 17:4-7.
Surely, the men of Israel had their gaze fixed on Goliath during the 40 days he taunted them.
David’s gaze somehow found a way to look beyond all the shimmering armor.
David saw how the true God, who goes behind us and before us(Psalm 139:5), overshadows even our most fearsome enemies.
“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” – 1 Samuel 17:45
The Goliath Behind Our Obstacles
Has your guilt ever stood so tall you felt immobilized?
Or what about fear, uncertainty, or grief?
If that sounds dramatic to you, taking the path David did may help ensure those days never find your doorstep.
We need to see past the obstacles that face us and see clearly the God who is greater than our fears.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.” – Matthew 6:22 NLT
When our faith is the focus of our gaze, we are able to overcome.
It’s when we lose sight of God that we begin to shake and tremble.
The Goliath Behind Our Dreams
Or maybe your giant is more of a dream or goal, a place you want to one day go, a personal “Promise Land”.
Still, the problem remains that we fix our gaze on the greatness of the task and wonder, “will I ever get there?”
A 1,000 mile journey is accomplished one step at a time.
Want to graduate College?
Want a fulfilling career path or enduring marriage?
What steps can you take this week to travel one step further along that path?
When overcoming giants, whether they are obstacles in our way or distant dreams, we need to find the faith to take the next step forward.
We need to find the faith to see beyond what’s in front of us.
God’s peace be with you.
