Giants are everywhere in our lives. There are great giants with good purpose and giants whose sole purpose is to dominate us. These giants are relentless, punish over and over, to control our every situation as if we have no mind of our own; hoping to keep us from the promises made by God.

The random act of violence carried out on Thursday June 17^th 2015, in Charleston SC at Emanuel AME church, leaves us numb, but we know that prayers, thoughts, and blessings continue as we pray for healing in our land. The Charleston example is only one of many situations whereby we could lose control and the giants overtake us. We are thankful to be able to make good choices and to stay informed so that our actions measure up to what God expects from us.

Headlines many times are tragic, so a word of acknowledgement and encouragement for those who don’t believe that giants fall! It is time to send the elephant in the room packing by talking about the things that sadden us and hurt us. These giants are prevalent and accepted just like family who’ve become comfortable with their status quo.

David is one of my favorite’s examples of strength, courage and fortitude in the Bible. Goliath was designated as a champion for the Philistines and they expected this giant to win so they equipped him; with a suit of armor as he led the charge. The Israelites did not fight with confidence and fear overtook them.

Giants use fear to control us so that we won’t understand what is really going on. David asked …who is he that he should defy the Armies of the Living God? (1 Samuel 17:26) That is a great question especially when you know who you are and whose you are.

Don’t fear asking questions if we want to uncover the life issues that hold us back from being the people that God intended us to be. David faced disbelief and anger from his own people and family but it did not keep him from his appointed destiny. That is a lesson for us; there will always be those who want us to stay in the places they believe are best suited for us and to that I quote David again, “The LORD Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) that is confidence that we gain through trust and faith to follow the Lord.

Giants do fall even when what we see with the natural eye seems to be bigger, and stronger. Change is possible when we begin to love one another, talk and encourage others, share our experiences, forgive those who have hurt us, worship together, appreciate the sacrifices past and present, and help to identify and destroy the giants that have held us back. The Word of God is our guide; Jesus said “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

 

Pastor Debra Ellison is senior pastor and founder of At The Cross Ministries and will teach this lesson in Bible Study every Thursday in July. The church is located at 1915-1917 W. Innes St (Weaver Building), Suite 103) at 6:30 p.m.