Facing Our Giants

 

 Finding Strength and Peace in God's Embrace

We all have giants in our lives. Whether we like it or not, dealing with them can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. If we’re honest with ourselves, no one enjoys facing these giants head-on. Burying our heads in the sand might seem like a temporary solution, but it doesn't make the giants disappear. No matter how much we try to ignore them, they linger, pushing us and often making life miserable. So, what do we do? How do we truly deal with these imposing figures? What are some of the giants we try to ignore or even run away from?

For me, one of the most persistent giants is the one I call "Mr. Money." Right now, my wife and I are running head-on into this formidable foe. It feels like no matter what I try, I can't seem to shake

him or put an end to his relentless pressure. He’s certainly making life feel like a constant uphill battle. Another giant I’m battling, and he seems head and shoulders above the rest, is "Mr. Stress!" This one shadows me 24 hours a day in one form or another and, over time, can become the deadliest of all.

What giants are you wrestling with? For some, these giants come in the form of strained relationships, challenging family dynamics, demanding kids, or overwhelming work responsibilities – just to name a few. But the crucial question remains: once we identify the giants in our lives, how do we effectively deal with them? The sad reality is that many people don’t deal with them at all, and over time, those giants can crush them. Some cope with these overwhelming forces through self-destructive behaviors like alcohol, drugs, crime, anger, and tragically, even suicide. Others try to ignore the problem, but burying your head in the sand only leaves you vulnerable, potentially getting run over by a train you never saw coming.

So, what’s the answer? How do we truly conquer the giants in our lives? Some turn to mental health professionals, support groups, family, and friends for guidance and assistance. Others seek solace and strength within their local church community. For me, I seek God's will, and I try to leave my problems in His capable hands. Now, notice I said "try" to leave it in God's hands. That's because it's often easier said than done. How many times have I declared, "God, this is all in your hands!" only to later interject, "Here, God, let me help you with this; it's taking too long!"

As the Christian singer Bryan Duncan so eloquently put it, when we do that, we're essentially trying to be God… and guess what? I'm not Him. As Christians, we need to genuinely surrender our burdens to God and trust Him to empower us to defeat our giants.

The Bible offers profound guidance and reassurance in times of trouble. Philippians 4:6-7 states:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This verse reminds us that we don't have to carry the weight of our anxieties alone. We can bring our concerns to God through prayer, expressing our gratitude and trust in His guidance. In return, He promises a peace that transcends our understanding, a peace that will safeguard our hearts and minds.

Another powerful verse resonates with this message of strength and reliance on God. Philippians 4:13 proclaims: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse is not a magic formula, but rather a testament to the transformative power of faith. It reminds us that with Christ as our source of strength, we are not limited by our own capabilities. We can overcome obstacles, face challenges, and even conquer the seemingly insurmountable giants in our lives.

As Christians, we simply have to believe and fully trust in God's unwavering love and support. He desires to help us navigate the battles with the giants in our lives. He wants to be our shield and our sword, guiding us towards victory.

This journey of faith requires constant effort and a willingness to surrender control. There will be moments of doubt, times when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands. But it is during these times that we must cling to our faith, remembering that God's power is far greater than any giant we may face.

I want to urge all of you Christians out there to place your complete trust in God and allow Him to fight the giants in your lives. Release your fears, your anxieties, and your burdens to Him, knowing that He is capable of handling anything that comes your way.

And, if you are reading this and have not yet given your life to Christ, then I want to earnestly encourage you to talk to someone about it or, even better, give your life to Christ right now. Embrace the transformative power of faith and witness the profound changes that will occur in your life as you place Him at the center. Experience the unconditional love, unwavering support, and unparalleled peace that only He can provide.

Proverbs 3:5-6 beautifully encapsulates this message of trust and surrender: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your

own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Let us choose to trust in God, to lean on His wisdom, and to submit to His will. Let us allow Him to guide us through the treacherous paths of life, conquering the giants that stand in our way and leading us towards a future filled with hope, peace, and unwavering faith. The Christian life is not without its struggles, but with God by our side, we can face any giant with courage, knowing that His love and power will ultimately prevail. He is always there, taking care of us, even when we don't see it. He is our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in times of trouble. Let us embrace His love and allow Him to lead us to victory over the giants in our lives.