SKILLED FOR THE DEFEAT OF YOUR GIANTS

        

        In case you did not know, faith is a struggle, it is a fight! Paul writes to his protégé, Timothy, saying - "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Tim. 6:12)

        However, Paul does not simply stop there, he continues with the admonishment to - "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Tim. 6:12)

        There seems to be two levels of action implied here - striving (fighting) and seizing (taking hold). These descriptive words do not have anything to do with the initial Salvation of an individual. The Holy Spirit makes this point clear through Paul to the believers in Ephesus - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

        The words in Ephesians 6:12 were meant for individuals who had already surrendered their lives to Christ. So, the striving and seizing that Paul communicates is a warning, encouragement and admonishment all wrapped-up in one package. Paul's words were a description of a lifestyle that would follow after one made the decision For Christ.

        There is no spurning any involvement in the fight. There is no promise of a bed of roses in this earthbound faith-journey. Persecution is promised (John 15:20). Why then select the Christian faith? Because the reward outweighs the cost. Christ Jesus is always the ultimate example and this is no exception - "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

        Knowing that there will be hardships in life for everyone, especially Christians, The Holy Spirit encourages believers through Paul - "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor. 4:16-18)

        So, what does it mean to fight the good fight of faith? I believe perspective is the key to the answer. Though struggles and battles may be physical, mental and emotional there is a spiritual side to them as well. And in all cases Christians have the help of the Holy Spirit.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)

        I believe David recognized this spiritual side to earthly obstacles early in his life. When David battled Goliath, he gave us a framework for tackling our giants of all kinds, shapes and sizes. David identified the problem from inquiring within Israel's own ranks, received permission to represent Israel against Goliath and then prophesied to Goliath's face the outcome.

"David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45)

        Notice even though Goliath has pride, a size advantage and large weapons, David has all that anyone will ever need in their life - the Lord Almighty. Not only did David proclaim this to his giant as we should to ours, he utilized his God-given skills, talents or gifts and charged Goliath. 

        David did not just happen upon this scene as a cocky, underdog kid who thought he would love to have a crack at the giant. David did not waiver, stumble or flee in this encounter. This young man sprinted toward Goliath with what God had always weaponized him with in the wild - a rod, staff and slingshot.  David had a track record of killing lions and bears. Goliath's size, pride and weapons were not going to be a problem. His skill-set and relationship with God prepared him for success. This was why David refused the armor given to him by King Saul, because not only did it not fit him, but it did not suit God's equipping of him as shepherd since birth.

        Fashioned by God's upbringing on the hills of Israel, I do not think David thought more highly of himself than he ought, rather he thought of himself, Israel and God with sober judgment in accordance with the faith God had supplied him (Romans 12:3).

        Courage to take on giants like Goliath comes from a healthy resume of defeating uglier, more menacing things in our world. Writing to the believers in Corinth and down through the ages, Paul attempts to bolster this courage as he says, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." (1 Cor. 16:13) 

        We too, like David, must trust in what The Lord has blessed or equipped us with to defeat our mental, physical and spiritual giants. Later, in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit encourages Christians through Paul - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;" (Romans 12:6).

        Part of the believer's daily armor for giant and non-giant challenges is The Shield of Faith. The Shield of Faith, spoken of in Ephesians 6:16, is the equivalent of David's proclamation to Goliath before the battle. Remember David's words to the giant? “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45)

        Revelation 12:11 reminds Christians of the offensive and defensive weapons Christ has fitted believers with against their giants - the blood of Christ (offensive) and the word of their testimony (defensive).

        The believer's Shield is their testimony. Christians are encouraged to claim their triumph over the enemy by the blood of Christ and the word of their testimony, not even shying away from dying for Christ Jesus (Rev. 12:11). In addition, God's Shield, perfectly fitted for the believer by the Holy Spirit, is able to quench not just some "arrows" from the enemy but "all" the "flaming arrows" (Eph. 6:16).

        I find interesting that Paul also labels the breastplate as having the characteristics of Faith and Love in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. In both instances, Ephesians and 1 Thessalonians, the Christian is covered with protection and has numerous chinks in the shield or breastplate to testify of God's provision.

        

        Before the Goliath takedown, David prepared himself in a nearby stream by selecting stones he might use against his foe. It only took one, well-placed, experienced stone/shot according to Scripture. 

        David was shepherd of his earthly father's pasture and with the defeat of Goliath would become a Shepherd of Israel. Please do not sit on the skills, talents and gifts God has blessed you with. I encourage you and I believe Scripture encourages you in this David-Goliath example to speak to your giants in The Name of The Lord, using what God has skilled you with for the defeat of your giants.

        

OUR TRAINING

        

        The bottom line is we all have a spiritual self that needs to be attended properly and regularly. 

        Athletes train their bodies and minds for their sport, usually for a competition of a season of games. They make a deliberate decision to go through all the necessary preliminaries in order to play in the actual game and be a part of the winning team. 

        Many people have the drive to to keep themselves physically healthy and/or have this chance of victory and team comradery. Other people train in some part of education or the arts to fulfill that development need and desire to reach personal goals. 

        The businessman or woman will take classes to be aware of how the business world works. The musician or painter will take classes to perfect their craft as well as to understand their place in the business universe. Both a local shop owner just starting and a musician/artist beginning their career usually has had training in their field before launching their own effort.

        Scripture says that people of God were - trained in battle, trained in music, trained in blacksmithing, trained in The Law and so forth for the service of The Lord. Whatever individuals were training for, the development was for a higher purpose - for God's purpose and plan. We can train for our own causes all we want but if our steps are not ordered by God, then how can we expect the favor of God, then how can we delight in God's way (Psalm 37:23).

        To emphasize the need for spiritual training in our individual lives and especially in The Church today, The Word of God says,

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Therefore, "have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." And let it all begin early in the family - "do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Therefore, "solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (italic words mine) (1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:7; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 12:11; Hebrews 5:14)

        So, do not shy away from spiritually training with The Lord. We have Christ, His Word, His Holy Spirit and each other. Of all the trainings in the world, this should not be neglected, it should be prioritized as paramount. Why? Because our words and deeds will reflect Our Training.

        

A GARDEN OF OPPORTUNITIES

         Much, if not all, of what gets planted in the natural world does not have a choice in the matter. The Seed does not have any choice in when it is planted, where it is planted, how it is planted, who plants it or the purpose of its planting.

    Now a tree or any other healthy plant will contain a strong root system. There are usually tells or signs in nature if a tree or plant is healthy and this reflects on the root system. The environment the seed developed under - the favorable conditions that kept the growth process flowing, proper soil and few weeds are all contributors to a healthy tree or plant.

    The human being has Seeds that he/she can deposit every day - words and actions. The difference here is that people have the power of the deposit or the planting. Once our word-choice or act has been decided and seeded, either on purpose, casual conversation or in jest - the seed is planted.

    Many human words and actions will have a lasting impression - some positive, some negative. The roots of a lot of word-trees go down deep and are permanent. We need to make good choices before we speak or act so that our seed is productive. 

    In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of The Sower. In this illustration, Jesus mentions the farmer "scattering" the seed in the various places - the path, the rocky places, thorns and good soil. So, the intention of seeding in all these areas is noble, but the reception, development and results are going to be different.

    To combat this perhaps we should do a little prep work in the field first. Perhaps we should get to know people in each category that is listed here by Jesus and loosen their soil with conversation about God. Maybe fertilize their environment with kind deeds. Just choose to be there for each kind of person.

    The one along the path may be confused or disoriented. He/she may be on the verge of having their joy snatched away by the enemy. Choose to be there for these people.

    Those that are experiencing rocky times, whether it be financial hardship or relationships need counsel and simple venting to someone. Choose to be that ear for those who need to cry out.

    There are many who are feeling the pain of life - physically, mentally and spiritually. These thorns need to be pushed back and wounds tended by our choosing to be that comfort.

    The individuals who are having a solid life with many blessings need to keep thanksgiving on the tip of their tongues. We need to be there for these people to assist in this development and get them involved in the previous three scenarios as soon as possible.

    The land could use some plowing before the seed goes out and in for maturation. Getting to know someone and setting a foundation of genuine care and authentic relationship is crucial to planting God-inspired words and actions. Be careful of The Seed(s) you plant, God through us plows, plants and grows His Garden Of Opportunities.