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We are all facing giants of some kind. Whether in our nation, our communities, or our own families, we must all learn how to take down the demonically-driven giants and strongholds that defy the work of God in our lives. David is a well-known warrior in the Old Testament who took down a giant. In reading his story again, I found some interesting traits that characterize a successful giant slayer:

DAVID WAS A WORSHIPER FIRST (1 Sam 16:14-23). When David was brought before King Saul to relieve him of his demons, David had already demonstrated a life of worship. The Lord’s anointing upon his life had power to bring deliverance to the demonically-oppressed king.

  • Before we can approach any giant in our life or pray for any kind of deliverance, we must start in worship and adoration. It will not be our skill or intellect that will take down the giants, but the anointing that comes from a life that is daily dedicated to God’s presence.

HE WAS VICTORIOUS IN PRIVATE (1 Sam 17:34-37). David was fully prepared to face the Philistine giant because he had already faced his own giants – and won. Size didn’t matter. The victories in his own backyard established faith and confidence that was unshakable.

  • If we want spiritual authority in regional or national fields, we must first be faithful in our own fields of influence. Starting in our homes and then impacting our local churches and communities, our faith must bear fruit and demonstrate the results of powerful and effective intercession. This successful track record will validate our authority and strengthen our boldness.

HE CARRIED HIS OWN ANOINTING (1 Sam 17:38-39). David knew who he was – and who he wasn’t. Though offered the armor of the king himself, he recognized his unique anointing and rejected taking on another’s reputation and mantle. With the zeal of the Lord in his heart, he stayed true to himself and how God had trained him.

  • Though we can learn from others who have been successful in battle, we must avoid the temptation to be like someone else. We must own our journey and the unique way in which God has prepared, equipped, and anointed us. That’s where our greatest strength will lie.

HIS FAITH WAS NOT IN THE WEAPONS OF HIS WARFARE, BUT IN HIS GOD (1 Sam 17:40). Using a sling and some stones were far from the conventional weapons of the day. Not only did David reject Saul’s armor, but also he used tools that were seemingly useless to anyone else. Even so, his faith did not rely on the strength of his weapons; he relied on the strength of his God.

  • We are inundated with books on warfare, tools for prayer, and guidelines for deliverance. In the end, it is our faith that overcomes the world. We must never confuse any prayer method or strategy with our confidence in God’s Word or will. Where prayers are a vehicle of deliverance, it is our faith that is the fuel.

HE WAS NOT EASILY INTIMIDATED (1 Sam 17:44-47). Even though the voice of the enemy shouted in his ears, David was unmoved. He did not confront this giant ill-prepared. He went in with the full knowledge of what he was facing and ran towards the enemy without hesitation.

  • The enemy will be relentless, and we must be prepared to face the constant threats and accusations. If we have filled our hearts and minds with God’s word before the battle, it will be God’s word that pours out of our mouths when we face that battle. Our courage comes from knowing God’s voice and the words He speaks. We then become conduits of heaven, issuing the decrees and purposes of the reigning King.

HIS TARGET WAS SPECIFIC (1 Sam 17:49). David knew that the target was critical. As he declared the word of the Lord to this towering enemy, he put his faith in the supernatural power of his God and thrust that faith towards Goliath’s head. Aiming where it mattered most, David hit the target and brought the enemy down.

  • As we pray and intercede concerning the giants we face, both personal and corporate, the Lord will give specific targets for specific strongholds. It isn’t necessarily “more” prayer that will assure success, but prayer that is specifically aimed at the lies of the enemy and source of attacks. Effective intercession requires specific targets that are accurate and measurable.

HE DID NOT BATTLE AS CULTURE DICTATED (1 Sam 17:50-51). It says that “…there was no sword in the hand of David.” Where protocol expected a warrior to take a sword into battle, David took his staff, sling, and 5 stones. This giant was first taken down by the stone but was then killed with his own sword. David used the enemy’s weapons against him. In a powerful prophetic act, David killed the giant with his own sword, decapitating and forever silencing the voice of the enemy.

  • Every battle is different. Where one battle may require a particular weapon and approach, another battle may necessitate something else. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and not assume the battle plan. God’s purposes are higher than ours and we must face these giants from heaven’s perspective and not our own.

David’s example should stir us to consider how we approach the giants in our lives and in this nation. If we are to be effective in prayer, we must daily practice His presence. We must continually fill ourselves with the word of the Lord and know who we are. As we overcome our own battles, we will be entrusted with greater authority that can impact nations. It is not the size of the giants that matter, but the size of our faith that will be determined by our daily walk as sons and daughters of the King.

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Rolanda Shrader
May 18, 2020

1 Thess. 4:6 Lord God, you are the avenger in all things.
You have given us (your kids) authority in your name Jesus. 🙌🏼
“We raise a hallelujah in the presence of our enemies. We raise a hallelujah louder than the unbelief. We raise a hallelujah our weapon is a melody.” 🙌🏼
J. Helser

Darenda Anastazi
January 28, 2019

One other thing that I believe was highly valuable for David. He carried God’s promise. He would be king. Knowing that going in….caused him to run to the battle. He knew God’s promise carries God’s provision….David was running to his future, which altered his perspective on Goliath. Goliath was a door to pass through, nothing more. I love this story!

    Alyosha
    July 5, 2019

    thank you SO much. your comment helped our family more than you can ever know. The Most High Bless You in Jesus’s Almighty Name!!!!! Please pray for us. We are new followers of The One & Only Holy Living God & have MUCH of satan on our lives. It makes sense for we lives of sin. The only reason it kills me though is because of having young children and animals in our care. They are doing GREAT (His promises of health & provision!!!) but we are surrounded by enemies & have many challenges, especially financialBut I think mostly the curses from husband family upper middle class military sociopathic tares. But HE IS SO GOOD & my husband quit drinking PRAISE GOD ALLELULIAH!!!!!! Thank you SO much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Alyosha
      July 5, 2019

      sorry I meant: WE LIVED lives of sin, prior. now the sin is shedding off!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alleluliah!!!!!

Felicia Penner
January 11, 2019

Lord God, may we walk in your spirit at all times, but especially when we engage the enemy. Make us strategic, but also totally dependent on hearing your voice say “walk here, not there”. Help us to have your praise on our lips at all times, and if we don’t, help us to know why we are anxious or feeling rebellious. May we have an ongoing conversation with you that keeps our souls healthy. May we know who we are in You, and who You are in us. Praise you, our Captain Jesus. In your name, we pray. Amen

Christine Laser
January 11, 2019

There is a lot to absorb in becoming a giant slayer. Pray before you read this article as to how God wants to use you in greater ways this 2019.

Fidel Irizarry
January 11, 2019

Awsome! I love to read, especially when it is backed up with God’s Word, The Bible!
Thank you!!!

Cheryl Reed
January 10, 2019

Very good teaching on the spiritual battle!!!!

    Clara W Carlisle
    May 18, 2020

    I pray that God will first slay the giants in my life first. Next I pray that God will slay the giants in our families, neighbor-hood,church, our communities, then state and nation. Let us be armed as David was
    with God’s Word and humility.

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