Isaiah 40:31

For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as an eagle; They shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Now, let's define what a giant is. According to Websters on-line dictionary, a giant is defined as a person or thing of unusually great size, power or importance.

Your Giant. Is it...

Sexual abuse, physical abuse, bankruptcy, divorce, drugs, child abuse, alcohol, rape, molestation, homosexuality, adultery, depression, lying, stealing, low self-esteem, financial instability, prison, lack of education, lack of faith. Insert yours here ___________________________. Which one(s) is it?

For many of us, dealing with issues as the ones listed above is easier said than done. At times we may not realize we even have any giants, and at other times realize that we haven't gotten over the giant we thought we had.

Has your giant kept you from living a life that is productive, peaceful, happy or on purpose? Has it kept you from enjoying the embraces of your husband or wife because of bad memories? Has it kept you from growing in the Word of God because of secret doubt?

I once wrote an article entitled Giant or Grasshopper: How do you see yourself? In it I mentioned that sometimes we tend to see ourselves through the eyes of limitations and fear. I want you to stop right here and ask yourself these question...How do I really see myself? Why have I allowed my giant to run amok over my heart; my mind, my finances, my marriage; my health; my life?

So why have you? Do you know that although you may see yourself as you are, God see's you as you will become? How wonderful is that? Just think of yourself as a diamond in the rough. Sometimes it is so hard for us to believe that God really and truly loves us (me, you). But he does. He loved us so much that he gave his only begotten (of his spiritual loins) to be crucified for the sins of this world (read John 3:16).

In the book Facing Your Giants, by Max Lucado, he states, Focus on your giant(s) you stumble. Focus on God and your giant(s) tumble. You cannot fight your giant on your own. You need God to guide and assist you. The Holy Spirit to comfort you when you are feeling down. You need to learn how to transform your mind. Change your thought process and you will change how you view yourself and your situation. Start speaking life over yourself. Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ with strengthens me. You have to believe. I cannot emphasize this enough! If you believe in your heart but doubt wants to creep into your mind gate (your mind is your battlefield), ask God to help your unbelief (read Mark 9:23-24)!

Maybe you are saying to yourself that this is all good and dandy. You have tried the belief 'thing' several times, but to no avail. The giant is still there. Here is a thought...Did you ASK God for help? Or did you try and do it on your own? The Holy Spirit is our comforter and "wants to be invited into our situations; otherwise, He would violate our free will." Often times the Holy Spirit is there watching, waiting for us to ask him, to give it up to him. But we are to proud, even times stubborn, to do so. We are trying so hard, but getting nowhere. One of the many functions of the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Grace) is to do what we cannot do by striving (fighting, or trying to accomplish) on our own power. When the Holy Spirit comes he's coming with all power. Things must happen.

Maybe you did ask but saw no results. Did you wait? Were you patient? I once heard the First Lady of the church I fellowship at say, that she had waited almost 20 years for a particular situation to change. She kept believing and trusting, and now she is seeing the fruit of her belief. My first thought was 'hallelujah! God is so great! Then, my second thought was Lord, 20 years?! You mean I may have to wait 20 years for you to change my husband?! And then a second thought flashed through my mind. 'It could be 30 years. So be patient!'

The Holy Spirit may not be able to do the work he needs to do because although you have asked, you are still trying to help him. Believe me, He doesn't need our help! So take your hand out of the pot and let him do his work!

Do you know that we tend to attract individuals who are like us? Don't let your feelings dictate who you are. Let the Word of God replace every negative thought you may have of yourself. Again, speak life over yourself. I am somebody; God loves me; I am forgiven; God is my helper. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. So, if you want good fruit, produce good thoughts and good speech. Clean out your mind of all old, hurtful, painful and discouraging thoughts. Your mind is your battlefield. That's where all your feelings are first formed, as a thought.

If God has forgiven you of your sins and cast them into the Sea of Forgetfulness, never to be remembered (of Him) anymore, why are you still holding on to them (read Micah 7:18-20)? Let it go! Your mind is your spiritual heart. Renew it daily and you will see how easier it gets on beating your giants.

Last but not least, if you are struggling with giants and do not know the Lord as your personal savior and want to know him. To lean on him and have personal relationship with him. You can do so, right here. Right now. How about praying this prayer, out LOUD:

"Father, I don't know where to begin but You know all. So here I am. I want a new life, a new beginning. I am truly sorry. I want to turn away from my past; a sinful life. And move towards you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

Your Salvation - You've Prayed It; Now What?

If you've prayed this prayer of salvation with true conviction in your heart, you are now a follower of Jesus. This is a fact, whether or not you feel any different. Are you supposed to feel some special way? No, not really. If you meant it in your heart, you are now a follower of Jesus. The Bible tells us that your eternal salvation is secure! "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) Now go find a church that will help you to grow in Christ. That will teach you the Word and not just preach it. Get a Bible and read it for yourself. Talk to God, everyday. Ask for your spiritual eyes and ears to open. Remember He loves you!

Your Homework Assignment

Get a basket, a cup or a bowl. Place within it five (5) smooth stones. Little garden pebbles will work.

On each stone, wrap or write the words: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation around them.

Place the basket, cup, or bowl in the middle of your Bible (which is your sword) which you will have opened to Isaiah 41:10.

Place everything in a visible location where you can see it every single day.

Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, pull out one of those stones and recite the scripture:

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; For I am with thee: Be not dismayed; For I am your God: I will strengthen thee; Yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Get ready to slay your giants!!!!