Overcoming Obstacles

The ‘giants’ can be obstacles in our life that hinder or block us from our goals, here are some tops tips that will help you overcome obstacles in your life. It’s funny that as we overcome these ‘giants’, this helps to grow our capacity; it’s the struggle that makes us stronger. Let’s look at how an unassuming boy, David, defeats his loud and obnoxious giant, Goliath. David consequently became a King after God’s own heart.

“He was over nine feet tall! ⁵He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds… His armor bearer (P.A 🙂 ) walked ahead of him carrying a shield.” The giant, Goliath, was massive and his armour heavy, this made for a slower reaction time. Don’t be intimidated by size or possessions.
“I am the Philistine champion” When Goliath boasts of his external features, this shows his internal fixtures of pride and arrogance. Noone likes a show off.
“David went back and forth so he could help his father with the sheep”. David helped his father. His external features were small but his internal fixtures were humility and service. Help others when you can.
“The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him” The offer of marrying the King’s daughter and be exempt from taxes didn’t entice a whole army full of soldiers to fight. Material rewards aren’t enough incentive to overcome fear. David saw this as a ‘calling’ not merely a job.
David questions those in authority above him. Even asking questions can be seen as threatening, as it uncovers weakness in people.
“Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” David was offended on behalf of God. He was fighting for a cause beyond himself, he wanted to make the reputation of his God great.
“I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” When David started to speak up, he got accused of evil motives from his brother. There will be detractors to a good plan, and sometimes they will be from those closest to you.
When David was brought before the King, he offered his services. He said, “I’ll fight him”. He didn’t say he was going to win-yet. Offer what you can definitely accomplish, not empty boasts.
David had his practise fighting bears and lions in private, before his opportunity on the big stage. This gave him the confidence that God was going to be with him again. Sometimes those in authority won’t see your abilities until God makes the opportunity, and when He does, speak up!
What David saw – an opportunity; what everyone else saw – an obstacle. The difference being God. When David knew God would be with him, the giant looked like the size of an ant. Without faith, it’s just a man-size dream, with faith it becomes God-size, and that’s pretty darn huge!
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” The King put a hand brake on David, but David shook it off by siting his experience. When push came to shove, David needed to convince the King by telling of his past accomplishments. In the right circumstances, it’s appropriate to share your past successes.
The King gives David his own armour to wear but it doesn’t suit, (pun unintentional) it’s awkward and heavy. People may want you to have the same strategy they would, but that may not necessarily be right for you. Especially when your way is unconventional, go with what worked for you.
Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, ⁴²sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. ⁴³“Am I a dog,” he roared at David…” Goliath is offended at his opposition and underestimates his opponent. When people underestimate you, they can never be disappointed because you’ll perform better than their expectations. Goliath was defeated by surprise, nothing like that had ever entered his head before. Boom.
“And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people” When all eyes were on David, he gave a speech and he made it about the goodness of God. Make sure to give God the credit, any chance you get.
As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. When Goliath started to move closer to attack David, David rushed forward to get the best position for his slingshot. We can go through life making choices that are not time-dependent, however, there are some key moments that are time pressured and we get a tiny window of opportunity to make our mark. When you get the chance, don’t hesitate, TAKE THE SHOT! The Story of David and Goliath