We know that times can be difficult, and for many of us, this might be one of the toughest chapters in our story. There are many difficulties that we each face, and we don’t handle them the same. Some things that are the most difficult for one of us, might not be that horrible to someone else; regardless, we labor when facing our biggest challenges.

What is the big challenge in your life right now? What does your giant look like?

Today we look at a famous example of these challenges…
At the end of the story of David and Goliath, we read,

David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. –  1 Samuel 17:50

In a matter of hours, a shepherd boy armed only with a sling and his faith in God took down a fearsome giant that had been taunting the Israelites for forty days. Your Shepherd, Jesus, will do the same in your life if you allow him.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. – John 10:11

In Psalm 23:5, David explains how the Lord arranges things…

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” – Psalms 23: 5

Jesus, our Savior, promises to lead us, guide us, and protect us . . . not in the absence of our foes, but in the very presence of our enemies. As the pressures, the darkness, and the struggles of our giants close in around us, our Shepherd spreads a feast of provision right there in the midst of the battle. He gives us everything we need to not only survive but actually thrive as we navigate the path to freedom.

Can you describe some recent situations where Jesus has just pushed right into your mess and set a table with authority and confidence, that caught you off guard?

The Bible states that Jesus is not only our Good Shepherd but also the Lion of Judah (see Revelation 5:5). His roar rules the nations. His voice shatters the enemy. But for a short while, Satan has been allowed to prowl and look for cracks through which he can insert himself into our mind. If we don’t stop him, then he will be the one sitting at the table. And if he’s at our table, then he will work to erode our confidence in God. He will try to tell us that you are all alone in the fight and that we have no chance of seeing our giants fall.

At such times we need to agree with David, who—in spite of witnessing plenty of adversity in his life—could state with confidence,

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” – Psalm 23:4

David knew God had everything under control. He recognized during the dark times that God was on his side, walking through the valley with him. We can have that same trust, but only if we refuse to allow the enemy a seat at the table.

This is because if the enemy is at our table, he will try to convince us that we will not make it. He will work to spin our head around and remind us that we’re surrounded and everyone is out to get us. He will tempt us with thoughts that there’s something better at another table and that God is holding out on us. We have to choose instead to believe that our Shepherd promised to lead us through the valley, that he is always with us, that he knows what is best for us, and that we are his beloved child.

What are some of the discussions that the enemy is having at your table? Has he all of sudden taken a chair at your table without an invitation?

Have you left the table set by God and journeyed to another table, one that seems more pleasant and calm? Rather than trusting God’s decisions?

So today, take a seat at God’s great table. If necessary, get up from the table you wandered to and go back to God’s offerings. Sit down, be still, and just enjoy the presence of our heavenly Father. Whenever we are weary and heavy-laden, go to him for he has promised to give us rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

We need to focus less on the enemies who are surrounding us and more on the fact that he is there with us. We need to move forward into the victory that he has for us—and watch as one by one all the giants in our life fall.

A couple of closing challenges for us to contemplate:

• What barriers keep you from moving forward into victory? How do you look at Jesus’ place in your battles?
• How has Satan attempted to work his way into your heart and your thinking? How does this affect your view of your circumstances?
• How has Jesus provided for you during difficult struggles? How can keeping your focus on Jesus help you overcome the giants surrounding you?