The Battle is the Lord's

One day a soldier, charged with fleeing from the enemy was brought before Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great asked him, "What's your name?" Dropping his head, he replied, "Alexander." Alexander the Great grabbed him by the shoulders and said, "Soldier, change your conduct or change your name!" You have been called to live a life worthy of the One whose name you carry. Regardless of whether the giant you face is addiction, resentment, fear, lust, pride, envy or anger, you must realize:

(1) You're not unique. Your temptations "are no different from what others experience" (1 Col 10:13, NLT). Goliath wasn't always a giant; he was fed and nurtured until he became one. Our giants are usually little sins we overlok and indulge until they assume a life of their own and come back to haunt us.

(2) You can't do it alone. Your giant will defeat you anytime you tackle him in your own strength. David told Goliath, "This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us" (1 Sam 17:47, NLT). You need divine help to overcome old habits and establish new behaviors. So, declare with Paul, "Christ...gives me strength" (Phil 4:13, NLT).

(3) You must confront your giant head-on. The Bible says: "As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran...to meet him" (1 Sam 17:48, NLT). Don't run away, don't try to negotiate, don't compromise and don't excuse! Force your giant out into the light and don't let him back into your life. Establish boundaries and make yourself accountable. Stay out of the wrong company!

Above all, don't look at God in the light of your giant. Look at your giant in the light of God!

~ Word for You Today