Facing the Giant
A devotional by Patricia Russell
“The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” –1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV)
Have you ever asked someone to do something for you or with you and their response sounded something like these statements listed below?
“I don’t think I’m good enough.”
“Why would you choose me?”
“I don’t know enough to participate.”
“I don’t think I’m qualified.”
“I’m sure so and so would do a better job. Why not ask them?”
These are just a few reasons that are often actually excuses people may give. At some point and time, I’m sure you and I may have given a similar response to an “ask” from someone. We may see the invitation to be a part of something that in our eyes looks too big. We have come up with all sorts of reasons why it’s not possible.
In 1 Samuel 17 we read about the great army of Israel standing before the Philistine giant, Goliath. God presented an opportunity to stand in faith and represent him, but their faith was challenged. They shrunk back and came up with reasons why it can’t be done because of what they saw in the natural: They heard his booming voice. They saw his stature that towered over their heads. They saw his heavy armor. They heard about his undefeatable reputation. They were scared by his taunting words.
I don’t know about you, but based on what I saw and heard, Goliath would really scare me too.
David visited the camp where his brothers were part of the Israeli army. His earthly dad sent him on a mission to bring food for them. However, we can see how David’s Heavenly Father (God) allowed him to be there on a greater mission. David saw and heard the same things his brothers heard but responded differently. David realized that all the experiences he had in the past had prepared him for this moment. David was anointed to be king, and the reigning king was there leading the army, so he simply offered his assistance. He basically said, “If ya’ll are afraid, I’ll fight this giant!” What I love about David’s response was that he didn’t state he would fight in his own strength. According to 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV) he said: The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
What is the name of the giant facing you today?
What is that mountain that looks insurmountable?
I understand the fear of not knowing how the bill is going to be paid. I too have experienced the uncertainty of where the next paycheck is coming from. I’m right there right now. And yet I believe the Lord who provided in the past will provide for my present. I believe He will deliver me, because has proven himself in the past.
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to read the Biblical record of what you did for David and the army of Israel. Thank you for allowing us to read about David’s confidence in You. Increase my faith to trust You the way David did so I can boldly step forward and face these situations that face me today. I trust you will give me what I need when the situation looks bleak. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “Never Lost” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord, I Trust You: Words of Encouragement, to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey.
Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has travelled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.
Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 33 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation in various capacities. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.
Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and watched on YouTube.
When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy”—her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.
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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Website: http://www.patrussellonline.com/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
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