When Prayer Meets Giants
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes the bumps and detours feel more like mountains and valleys. But here’s the good news: Jesus never promised us a perfect life on earth—He promised to always be with us. And that makes all the difference.
So grab a cup of coffee and sit with me for a few minutes. I want to share a little story from my prayer time this morning, and how God used it to point me back to a familiar Bible passage in a fresh, powerful way.
This morning during my prayer time, I was lifting up a friend by name when my phone chimed. Normally, I wouldn’t interrupt prayer, but something nudged me to check. Sure enough, it was a text from the very friend I had just prayed for—asking for prayer.
She shared what she was going through, and I sat there, unsure what to say. Words usually come easily for me. I can encourage, comfort, and point people back to God. But this time? Nothing. I could have written a polished, uplifting reply, but it would’ve been from me—not from the Lord. So instead, I simply offered prayer.
Prayer is often underrated and underused by believers. Jesus gave His life to reconnect us with our Creator. Because of Him, we can come before Almighty God with our requests—for wisdom, healing, salvation for loved ones, protection, and so much more. And yet so often, prayer becomes an afterthought—a hurried whisper before falling asleep after a long, draining day.
So I went back into prayer, asking God to move in my friend’s situation. Honestly, things seem to be getting worse from the outside looking in. But I serve the God of the impossible—the God of restoration. I believe He’s at work even when I can’t see it.
At one point, I asked Him, “Lord, how are You going to fix this huge, layered situation that’s been festering for years?” He doesn’t owe me an explanation, but He brought me to 1 Samuel 17—specifically verse 7. At first, I thought, “Why a verse about Goliath’s spear?” But that’s the beauty of God’s Word—sometimes He uses the unexpected to lead us on a journey of discovery.
And what a journey 1 Samuel 17 is.
A Fresh Look at David and Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is one many of us remember from childhood, but when we slow down, it’s more than a tale of a boy defeating a giant—it’s about courage, faith, and the God who fights for His people.
Israel’s army was paralyzed with fear as Goliath, a massive warrior, taunted them daily. Even King Saul trembled.
Then came David—not a soldier, just a shepherd delivering food to his brothers. But when he heard Goliath mocking God’s people, David couldn’t stay silent. He didn’t see a giant too big to fight—he saw someone defying the living God.
David volunteered to fight, recalling how God had given him strength to defend his sheep from lions and bears. Saul tried to weigh him down with heavy armor, but David chose to go with what God had already given him: a sling, a staff, and five smooth stones. One stone was all it took.
The victory wasn’t David’s strength—it was God’s power.
Reflection Points
Faith over fear: The army saw Goliath’s size. David saw God’s greatness. Where is your focus when challenges feel overwhelming?
God’s preparation: David’s ordinary shepherding days were training for extraordinary moments. How might God be preparing you through your daily tasks?
God’s glory, not ours: David made sure everyone knew the victory belonged to the Lord. Do you step into challenges for your own recognition—or to point back to Him?
Trusting God’s way: David rejected Saul’s armor, choosing what God had already equipped him with. What “armor” of the world are you tempted to rely on instead of God’s strength?
Questions to Consider
What does this chapter teach us about true courage?
How was David’s perspective different from Saul’s and Israel’s army?
What “giants” are you facing right now, and how has God already equipped you to fight them?
How can you shift your focus from the size of your problem to the power of your God?
Where is God asking you to trust Him more fully this week?
Closing Thought
The story of David and Goliath isn’t really about the underdog winning—it’s about God displaying His power through unlikely vessels. Whatever giant you’re up against today, remember this: you don’t face it alone. The same God who fought for David is with you too.
Are You Facing Giants in Your Life?
Here’s a prayer that you can pray if you are …
Lord, You are bigger than every giant I face. Forgive me when I focus more on my problems than on Your power. Strengthen my faith to believe that You are fighting for me, even when I can’t see how. Just as You prepared David with courage and skill, prepare me today with what I need for the battles ahead. Teach me to trust Your way, not my own, and remind me that the victory belongs to You alone. I place my fears, my struggles, and my giants in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peace,
B
