Facing Your Giants: Part One

About 3,000 years ago, the entire Israelite army were under attack and had developed a victimized mindset.  They needed someone to step up and demonstrate how to overcome an oversized obstacle. 

1 Samuel chapter 17 tells us about a giant named Goliath who was terrorizing the Israelite army. Every morning and evening he would stand on a hill and shout at the Hebrews, daring them to send out a champion to fight him.  The losers would then become slaves to the winners.  Scripture says that “On hearing his words, all of the Israelites were terrified.”  They were beaten down, discouraged, and their bravado had faded long ago. 

Then a young shepherd boy named David showed up.   

However, before he could go out and fight Goliath, David had to face another giant in the form of his critical older brother Eliab.  Eliab was upset with David because he thought David had irresponsibly left his sheep herding duties to come out and watch the battle.  He also thought David’s ego had overtaken his senses, and he was greatly exaggerating his abilities by claiming he would fight the giant.  He simply refused to believe anything positive about David’s attitude. 

In all likelihood, Eliab had been so badly intimidated that over time his character had weakened. The only way he could feel better about himself was to bring others down to his level.  But David ignored him saying to King Saul, “Let no one lose heart.  Your servant will go fight him.”   

Every day we face obstacles and challenges, many of which are gigantic in proportion.  Social work can be difficult, demanding, and oftentimes daunting.  Perspective can make an incredible difference.  David was able to shake off the criticism because he knew the action he was about to take was vital to the welfare of his community.  So is the work we do at CityLinC. 

There will always be someone criticizing our work and making confrontational comments.  There will always be someone trying to bring us down to their level because hurting people hurt people.  There will always be someone who assumes our motives are not pure and will attempt to discourage us from trying to change lives.  When that kind of criticism comes our way, it could dampen our spirits to the point where our own mental health may be at risk.   

My prayer this week is for all of us to overcome the Goliath of negativity that often surrounds us.  We need to understand that by doing what is right and protecting the weak and disadvantaged, we are pleasing God.  And it’s His opinion that matters most.  

So, let no one lose heart!  

Many Blessings,

Pastor Mike