Not So Giant

Years ago, I had a close encounter with a giant. My friends and I went out in a small inflatable boat to do some whale watching. We saw a whale breach the surface some distance away, so we went in for a closer look, while still keeping a respectful distance. Suddenly, a young whale swam right under our boat. A few moments later, its submarine-sized mother glided under our little craft as well. She was so close that we could see the barnacles on her body. And as fast as she and her calf had appeared, they disappeared.

Those giants could have caused us real problems, if they had chosen to. But they didn’t. They simply made themselves known, giving a glimpse of their enormity, without using their size against us. Unfortunately, not all giants in this life are as benign.

And not all giants appear in physical form. Some giants are difficult situations. Some giants are hurdles in life that seem insurmountable. Some giants are temptations that refuse to go away. Some giants are challenges that seem beyond our ability to solve. Some giants are personal sins that impact the way we see ourselves. Some giants are addictions that threaten to overwhelm us. Some giants are toxic relationships that leave us bitter, hurt, confused, or lonely.

We all face giants, and we will continue to face them as long as we live. We have an enemy in Satan who will stop at nothing to disrupt our relationship with Christ. So, we all need to embrace these words from the apostle Paul: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:12–13 NLT).

If you trust in Christ, you need to remind yourself as often as necessary that every giant can be defeated. There is nothing in this world that can place you under its power. There is no addiction that needs to control your life. There is no lifestyle that you cannot break free from. There is no temptation that’s too compelling to resist. There is no giant that’s too big or too powerful for you. You have everything you need in your relationship with Christ.

There is no power in your life that Christ in you can’t overcome!

Reflection question: What giant are you battling in your life right now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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