Facing Your Giants: Why Your 'Small' Is Enough with God
We’ve all been there. You wake up, and before you’ve even had your first cup of coffee, it hits you. That "giant" in your life is still standing there, shouting. Maybe your giant is a mountain of debt that feels impossible to climb. Maybe it’s a relationship that’s fractured and cold, or an anxiety that whispers you’re never going to be "enough."
When we look at the giants in our lives, our first instinct is usually to look at ourselves and think, “I’m too small for this.” We feel under-equipped, overwhelmed, and honestly, a little bit like running the other way.
But there’s a story in the Bible that we’ve heard since Sunday school, and it’s time we look at it with fresh eyes. It’s the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It’s not just a story about a lucky shot with a slingshot; it’s a blueprint for how you and I can face our biggest fears when we feel like we have nothing to offer.
The Valley of Paralysis
If you open your Bible to 1 Samuel 17, you’ll find the Israelite army in a bit of a predicament. They weren't just standing around; they were paralyzed. For forty days, a giant named Goliath came out and taunted them.
Think about that for a second. Forty days. That’s over a month of waking up to the same threat, the same fear, and the same feeling of helplessness. The Bible says they were “dismayed and terrified.”
Does that sound familiar? Sometimes we live in that "forty-day" cycle. We see the problem, we know it’s there, but we’re so intimidated by its size that we just stay in our tents. We talk about the giant, we worry about the giant, but we don’t move against the giant.
The army of Israel was looking at Goliath’s height, his armor, and his spear. They were comparing their strength to his. And in that math, they always lost. But then, a shepherd boy walked into the camp.
Radical Faith vs. Realistic Fear
David didn’t walk into the valley and see a giant; he saw an opportunity for God to show off. While the soldiers were doing "giant-math," David was doing "God-math."
David's faith wasn't some blind optimism. It was rooted in his history with God. He told King Saul, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).
David remembered the "lions and bears" in his life. He remembered the times God showed up when no one else was watching in the sheep fields. If you’re feeling small today, I want to encourage you to look back. Think about the times you thought you wouldn’t make it, but you did. Think about the "coincidences" that provided exactly what you needed. That wasn’t luck; that was God training you for your Goliath.
At Word of Encouragement, Ibelieve that tracking these moments is vital. That’s why Icreated our digital prayer journals: to help you document those "lion and bear" victories so you have the fuel you need when a giant shows up.
The Trap of Saul’s Armor
One of the most relatable parts of this story is when Saul tries to help David by giving him his own armor. Saul was the King; his armor was top-of-the-line. It was expensive, it was "proven," and it was what a "real" soldier was supposed to wear.
David put it on and realized something immediately: he couldn't move. It didn't fit.
How often do we try to face our problems by wearing someone else’s "armor"?
- We try to handle stress the way the world tells us to.
- We try to build our faith by copying someone else’s personality or routine.
- We try to "look the part" of a strong Christian instead of being honest about our struggle.
If you try to fight your battles using someone else's methods, you’re going to feel weighed down and clumsy. God didn't call you to be a version of someone else; He called you to be you.
Five Smooth Stones: Using What You Have
David took off the heavy bronze armor and went back to what he knew: five smooth stones and a sling. To the professional soldiers, this looked like a joke. To Goliath, it was an insult.
But David knew that a small thing in the hands of a big God is a dangerous thing.
What are your "stones"?
Maybe it’s a simple 10-minute morning prayer. Maybe it’s a single verse of scripture you’ve memorized. Maybe it’s just the willingness to say, "Lord, I’m scared, but I’m showing up."
Don't despise your "small." If God gave it to you, it’s enough. You don't need a sword if God has given you a sling. You don't need a platform if God has given you a quiet room and a Bible.
When you use the gifts and tools God has specifically placed in your life, you operate with an authority that "Saul's armor" can never give you. If you're looking for a way to start finding your "stones," our Daily Devotionals are designed to help you find that one piece of truth you need for your day.
The Battle is the Lord’s
This is the pivot point of the whole story. David runs toward the giant. He doesn't just walk; he runs. And as he’s running, he shouts:
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against me in the name of the Lord Almighty... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
This is the secret to peace: The battle is not yours.
When we think the outcome depends entirely on our strength, our intelligence, or our "smooth stones," we will always be stressed. But when we realize that we are simply the vessels and God is the Victor, the pressure melts away.
David’s job was to sling the stone. God’s job was to guide the stone.
How to Face Your Giant Today
If you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed right now, here are a few simple steps to move from the "tent of fear" into the "valley of victory":
- Name Your Giant: Be honest about what’s scaring you. Is it a health diagnosis? A feeling of inadequacy? Bring it into the light.
- Ditch the Armor: Stop trying to handle it like everyone else. If "hustle culture" or "toxic positivity" isn't working for you, let it go. Ask God, "How do You want me to handle this?"
- Find Your Stone: Pick one scripture to hold onto today. Just one. Let that be your weapon.
- Remember Your Lions: Spend five minutes today writing down three times God has come through for you in the past.
- Run Toward the Fear: Take one small step of obedience today. Don't wait for the fear to go away: take the fear with you and move anyway.
You Are Not Alone in the Valley
The most beautiful part of David's story isn't the giant falling; it's the fact that David wasn't alone. He was a representative of the "armies of the living God."
When you face your giants, you aren't a lone shepherd boy. You are a child of the Most High King. You have the Holy Spirit within you, and you have a community of believers standing with you.
At Word of Encouragement, I want to be that community for you. Our mission is to provide you with the digital tools: the journals, the devotionals, and the scripture reflections: that help you keep your eyes on God instead of the giant.
You might feel small. You might feel like you only have a few "stones" to your name. But remember: God loves to use the small things to do the impossible.
Run toward your giant today. The Battle is the Lord's.
Ready to start your journey closer to God?
Check out our latest Bible-based journals and devotionals and find the encouragement you need to face whatever giant is standing in your way today.