Giants

by I. Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | Category: General | Jan 1987

David when he fought with Goliath was only a youth; he was still fighting giants over forty years later (see 2 Sam. 21:15-17). By then his natural strength was not what it had been, yet this servant of God was still fighting the Lord's battles the only way he knew how - right in the forefront of the fray. But at that later date he required assistance, and welcomed the aid of a fellow-soldier.

We will never have to engage in combat with adversaries such as David encountered. However, there are giants to be dealt with in all our lives, such as pride, self-pleasing, and the constant attraction of the present age, to name but a few. With these thoughts in mind we remember what Paul wrote to those in Corinth - "I die daily" (1 Cor. 15:31), and again to those in Rome - "Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live after the flesh" (Rom. 8:12). The relentless struggle that goes on in a believer's life is a lifelong battle as he suppresses, by the help of the Spirit and the Word, things that at times appear giant-like. Some give way and forfeit their opportunity for further service with the Lord - remember Demas (2 Tim. 4:10).

All giants are not the same, the one David fought was different from the giant mentioned in verse 20 of 2 Samuel 21. David's nephew, Jonathan, was up against a physical rarity, but David had led the way when he slew Goliath; that victory gave others heart and confidence to overcome. We all have our own particular giants to conquer and subdue. Sometimes we let problems and circumstances overwhelm us and are sorely tempted to give in, but we persevere, taking the apostle Paul as our example. His sufferings were great (2 Cor. 11:

23-33), but he endured to the end and was assured of receiving his reward.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved His appearing (2 Tim. 4:7,8).

I. Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | Jan 1987
General