Written by Kevin Vrooman. Artwork by Lorraine Yang.
Brothers and sisters, as we participate in the Forty Day Impact Challenge, a challenge that calls us to fast, we should ask ourselves why we fast.
We may fast for our health, healing for others, God’s favor, petition, or an important decision – but above all we fast for God’s glory. During this time we practice restraint from the things we love or those certain things that separate us from Him. These obstacles I’m going to call “giants”. We all have them; Satan makes sure that we do. Our giants can take many forms: school, work, an exam, a bully, the media, alcohol or drug addiction, gossip, divorce, and the list goes on – different for every person.
We, like the Israelites of the Bible, go to great lengths to deny our giants, to ignore them and sweep them under a rug—until they can’t be denied any longer.
In the Biblical story of David and Goliath, there was an important difference between David and the rest of the Israelites. Goliath tormented the Israelites for forty days, and no one faced him because all they saw was the giant, not God. But David, the shepherd boy, saw something different. As David went to face Goliath, he knew he went forth with the Living God.
These giants we face in our lives are daunting. I am not always able to face my giants, but I do take comfort in David’s victory and in this verse – “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him” (1 Samuel 17:48). Consider our Lord Savior and the trials he faced during his fast. In both instances, God was the focus. Although we may fail time and time again, God’s victory is always complete.
Brothers and sisters, let us consider how we may continue our fast so that God may be glorified. Do not be daunted by your giants for God is at your side. All you have to do is remember to call upon Him!
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Reflecting Questions
1. What are some of the “giants” in your life?
2. How can we be like David and face the “giants” in our lives with the Living God?