Do you have giants in your life you can’t seem to overcome?
Right now, the giant we are facing is my husband’s upcoming surgery. Unknowns exist. Some aspects are a little scary, especially since the surgeon gave him a backout opportunity at the pre-op appointment. But we are going ahead, with faith, and trusting God for excellent results.
What are your giants?
Fear
For many, fear is a giant that suspends forward motion and keeps them churning with uncertainty. Fear is an emotion created for our protection, but when fear takes over to the point of controlling your life, it needs to be corralled. The best way to overcome fear is with faith.
Worry and Anxiety
These two unhappy conjoined twins can rule your life, if you allow it. But most of what we worry about never happens, and the more we worry, the more anxiety becomes a part of our lives.
Remember, worry never stopped anything, except your ability to live in peace.
Comparisons
Recently, I told my husband I am happy to be my current age because it’s no longer important to me to measure up to others.
Comparisons are a waste of time. Each of us have different gifts and talents. God created us uniquely and never intended for us to be just like anyone else. Cherish your gifts and talents and be the person God created you to be.
Detrimental Crutches
Sometimes we attempt to handle our giants by running from them or hiding from them behind detrimental crutches. Are you pretending to overcome your giants with bad habits or addictions? Decide today to face your giants instead of falling deeper into a pit with false coping mechanisms.
How to Slay Your Giants
Face the Foes
One of the first steps in slaying your giants is to acknowledge them. Admit that you have trouble with whatever giant you have, and then formulate a plan to confront that foe. You probably won’t be successful without a plan and some reinforcements. Find an accountability partner who will help you stay on task and face your giants in battle.
Use Your Tools
My father was a builder, and he taught me the importance of using the correct tool for the task. Without the right tool, the task takes longer and you may not be successful.
The Bible story of David and Goliath reinforces the use of proper tools. When David decided to fight Goliath, everyone thought he was crazy. How could a young shepherd boy slay a literal giant? Even his brothers laughed at him. But David was determined.
When the king tried to outfit David with his armor, David was smart enough to realize heavy armor, which he wasn’t used to, was a detriment rather than an aid. Instead, David faced the giant with faith, trust, courage, a few stones, and a slingshot. While Goliath taunted with words and brandished a sword, David threw one stone and brought his giant down.
When you face your giants, remember to arm yourself with the proper tools. Don’t listen to those who make fun of you, say you’re crazy, or predict you’ll never succeed. Trust God, use your gifts and talents, and choose the right tools for the job.
“You come to me carrying a sword and spear and javelin as your weapons, but I come armed with the name of the Eternal One” (I Samuel 17:45 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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