Who Is Your Giant

For quite some time, I have thought that it was only Jesus who struggled with His family. That is why in Mathew he mentioned that “A man is without honor in his own home-town.” (Matthew 13: 57)

Not until last night, I realized that even in the Old Testament, David was struggling the same… His brother Eliab, has questioned his motives, made a discouraging remark as Eliab said to him “I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” (1 Samuel 17: 28)

Apparently, this has not disgruntled David to pursue his mission, his calling. But, as I read this, it impressed on me that Goliath was not only his Giant to have victory over. He was already prepared to face Goliath with all his preparations as a shepherd. He has slayed lions and bears which boosts his confidence mentally and physically – and more so, with his confidence spiritually – in God. (1 Samuel 16)

It was not a question of if he will be victorious over Goliath. The battle has already been won by God for David before it started. The question for me is rather: Is David victorious over Eliab? Eliab for me is the other “Giant” that David had to face.

It’s the same with me. My giants are not only out there in the field. It’s also within the circle of my influences. The ones who I have the privilege to influence or have had influences over me. And the ones whom you expected the least not to trust and believe in what you can do.

But, there are just things that we can never control. Let God be the one to take charge. For like the story of David, God sent him Saul: the man who gave him the opportunity to carry out his mission so that at the end of it all, God’s name is glorified.

In my line of work, as an Insurance Consultant, I have accepted the fact that there will always be a Goliath and an Eliab –the ones who will not believe in what you can do and why you do it. As I understand it now, the most unpopular things that you do, don’t always have the approval of men. But why seek when we have His approval?

A few nights ago, God impressed on me to keep on, because what he entrusted me to do is not to slay the Goliath’s in men but to extinguish their fears of poverty, illnesses, and dying young and old age. These fears are valid for these are considered – “The Risks”- which are real in the life that we live here on earth.

I believe, one way of facing this reality, is by being open to a “Risk-Proof Life” that is, by preparing before these situations to happen.

I am privileged to be a part of the work to assist the community prepare by providing them with savings options–options that can take care of them should critical illnesses strike them, or when they grow old. Options that can take care of their future orphans and widows and thus, eradicate the thought of poverty.

Who is my giant then? It may be an Eliab, Goliath, or both. But just like David, I can focus my energy on serving God. And I believe that God, as faithful as He is, will forever send me a “Saul” not for the reason that I will be vindicated or my actions justified but because His purposes be fulfilled and His Name be exalted.