{Faith} From Afraid to COURAGEOUS!

By: Mandy Hill

David answered, “You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God —he’s handing you to us on a platter!” (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

I love this story about David and Goliath! David’s courage to take on the giant in his life, is incredible to me. (You can read the full story in 1 Samuel 17)

Like David I have faced many giants in my lifetime; except unfortunately many times, with much less courage. I have missed many opportunities because of my decision to walk away in comfort, rather than stand up to the giant.

Giants come packaged in many ways. Sometimes in human form, but not always. Anxiety, depression, addiction, fear, loss, and insecurity are other giants; to name a few. Are you facing a giant in your life?!

Let me share with you a time I recall being stuck in the shadow of my giant.

Immediately following high school I began taking classes at a local university. I had enrolled in the university’s reputable commerce program and I was excited to embark on this journey to a degree. All was well until around thanksgiving. The excitement of being in university had began to wear off and I was beginning to realize my dislike for the material I was supposed to be enjoying. After all, I choose this degree.

I wrestled through, struggling miserably. I had high academic standing throughout my entire education thus far, and yet I now found myself on an academic downward spiral. My dislike grew in intensity and yet I still plugged through. My decreasing marks only increased my insecurity and fears. I began to wonder what was wrong with me?! Why was I not good enough to complete this program.

I did end up stepping away from the program, but not without first sewing a few damaging labels onto my heart. Failure. Stupid. Not good enough. These labels would remain for years to come.

You see, the giants I was battling: pride, insecurity, doubt, fear, and rejection were only there because I allowed them to be. When I actually stopped and listened for the voice of God, hearing His direction brought me out of the shadows of my giants and into His wonderful light.

Fast forward a few years later to when I courageously took a step in my faith to defeat those giants. After spending copious amounts of time listening for God’s direction over what I would study; I enrolled in college for the second time. This time, in nursing. I became determined to chase hard after His plan for me, and battle those giants as they taunted me along the way. Two years after enrolling in college I walked the stage with my diploma in hand, in addition to giving the valedictory address.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your promises. We know, God, that with You ALL things are possible; and we know that You never leave us or forsake us. Please help us conquer the giants in our lives with grace, in Your name. Thank You, Lord. Amen.