Giants of Distraction

How do we remain single-minded towards Him in order to fulfil His vision for our lives? You can be sure there’ll be things in our journey which will try to stop us in our tracks and prevent us fulfilling the calling God’s placed on our lives. Maybe the biggest temptation we’ll have isn’t demonic power or the difficulty of our assignment – it’s distraction.

When David was at the point of crisis concerning the battle with Goliath he was tempted to be distracted by a giant of inferiority which came in the shape of his brothers’ accusations. “We know you David, we were raised with you. You’re the family RUNT. You’re the sheep keeper”. Actually the verbal tirade which came out of Eliab’s mouth illustrated what Jesus taught us: ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.’ It was Eliab’s heart which was sinful, not David’s. Don’t allow yourself to be moved by what people think or say. Don’t listen to those who’re trying to make you feel inferior. Rejoice because of what God knows and says to you.

Saul was threatened by David’s courage and vision. Today insecure leaders are threatened, embarrassed and intimidated by passionate, radical, sold out followers of Jesus Christ, especially if they’re willing to risk their very lives. Jealousy destroys ministries, and destroys relationship with God. Don’t bow to the giant of tradition. “David, you can’t go out dressed like that! You need to fight Goliath the traditional way”. Saul’s armour wasn’t going to work for David. He resisted the pressure to conform. Instead he used the gifts, talents and experience that were uniquely his.

Finally the giant of general consensus can try to stop us in our calling. This was the last giant David refused to give in to. The majority aren’t always right. It takes a lot of courage to stand against the crowd mentality. Fear not. Go in God’s name. Why hadn’t the Philistines over-run Saul and his army? They were afraid of the Israelites and their God! The only thing they could do is what most bullies do, and that is: taunt and belittle their opponents (which they did for forty days).

However David knew who he was and whom he served. David’s crowd didn’t believe he could do it. Saul didn’t believe, neither did Goliath. Let your faith fight for you and bring into reality what God has called you to do. Don’t let the giant of fear of failure or ‘God won’t do it for me’ stand in your way.

What is the giant that would hold you back from the purposes of God in your life? David had patience, faith, wisdom and confidence. He was incredibly confident in his God. He chose for himself – stones.

Your life is too precious to leave in the hands of someone else. Let God deal directly with you. Do what He says and stay focussed. Go into the holy of holies on a regular basis. Hear from God for yourself. God spends a lot of time preparing us for greatness. Work with Him and don’t let the giants overcome you.

Prayer: Father God, I want to repent for giving into the giants of distraction in my life. Please help me grasp the truth that I can completely trust Jesus and know You’ll equip me with everything good for doing Your will. Thank You, Lord, that You’ll work in us what’s pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.