Overcoming Challenges: How to Conquer Giants in Your Life

 “But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand. . .”

Deuteronomy 3:2

Dear Friends,

Everyone has a giant in his life. I’m not talking about a very tall person who towers above you in stature, but rather a large and difficult problem that feels daunting. Overcoming challenges often feels like fighting a giant. Thankfully, for those who are God’s children there is no need to stand down or to crumple in fear when staring in the face of your overpowering Goliath. Why? Because the LORD is the ultimate giant slayer! 

Real Life Giants

Recently I read a story about some real-life giants. I began a new Bible study in the book of Deuteronomy, and while this book is not as well known and widely read as some of the other more popular books of the Bible, I have been incredibly encouraged by the important lessons recorded there.

Right from the first paragraph the reader finds that the book was written by Moses, the man God used to deliver Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Moses writes the words near the end of his life in order to review and record all of the mighty acts God had already done for His chosen people. 

This aged leader’s deep desire was that the newly formed nation would always remember God’s mighty acts, and that God’s faithfulness in the past would give them courage as they faced future problems, including real life giants. Overcoming challenges, no matter how big, was possible with God.

Relying on God’s Unlimited Power

Moses points out that the nation is now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. He reminds them how their previous opportunity to enter the land forty years before had been thwarted by fear and lack of faith. 

Knowing the people would face a formidable foe, Moses reminded them of God’s unlimited power. They were about to take possession of the land promised to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He reassured them that the LORD their God would go before them and fight for them just as He had in Egypt and in the wilderness.  

Only recently, the LORD had given them victory over Og, King of Bashan. Og was a large man descended from the Rephaites, whose iron bed was approximately thirteen and a half feet long by six feet wide. My Bible commentary says the Rephaites were a “giant people who lived in Canaan even before the time of Abraham.” 

Moses encouraged the Israelites that when they met other fierce giants who still lived in the land, they should not fear them. God had fought on their behalf in the past, and He would be faithful to help them in overcoming challenges in the future as well. 

Overcoming Challenges With God’s Help

As I thought about the immensity of the task at hand for God’s chosen people, it occurred to me that all of us have giants in our lives. For some it is a debilitating disease that leaves them fearful about their life and future. For others it is an unexpected financial setback where the bills tower over their ability to pay. Still others, like me, stand toe to toe on a daily basis with numerous responsibilities that taunt our weakness and insecurity. But the truth still remains! The God who fought for Israel will fight for us too! He is the ultimate giant slayer!

Some of the key points to remember when overcoming challenges and facing the giants in our lives are:

1. God is with us: Fear dissipates when we realize we are not alone in our battle.
2. God directs us: He knows the way we should go and will guide us every step of the way. 
3. God provides: His resources are unlimited; He will supply everything we need.
4. God is faithful: He always keeps His promises and will not fail us.
5. God fights for us: He is all powerful. There is no giant too big for Him. 

Moses understood God’s power and sought to inspire the fledgling nation’s faith and courage all the while warning them to continually trust and obey their omnipotent God. This was the key to future victory and blessing.

Your Giant is No Match for God’s Power

Faith and obedience is how we also conquer our giants. It is not by our own strength that we prevail, but through the power of the LORD Who fights on our behalf. He is still the same as He was when His people faced Og, King of Bashan, and the other giants of the Promised Land. The LORD fought for them and gave them victory, and He will fight for you too. 

So, don’t be afraid of your particular daunting enemy, but in faith turn your eyes heavenward.  Trust and obey God. He will help you as you are overcoming challenges and give you the victory. Why? Because the LORD is the ultimate giant slayer.

Love,

Mama

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