A Story of Reaching Potential - Facing Giants

I am very interested in reaching my potential and helping others reach theirs. I believe each person has an 'individualized excellence' or what some might call a special place and purpose in the world. I also know that there are a lot of roadblocks and detours that lay in our path as we pursue fulfilling our potential.


I recently spent a week meditating on a story in the Bible found in 1 Samuel. Even if you don't read the Bible or attend a church you know the story...David vs. Goliath.

The giant Goliath was a hugh (some say 10') bully. He challenged anyone from the Israel army to a one on one, winner take all, duel to the death. This giant stood for evil in the world, and stands for the roadblocks in our life that keep us from reaching our potential. Make your list: depression, sickness, job loss, finances, stupidity, lonliness - all are giants that steal life from us. The problem with giants is that they take all our energy and won't go away.

David teaches us how to deal with the giants in our lives.

1. David did not listen to Giant. David was a deeply spiritual young man who had more respect and reverence of God than any giant. The God David followed was louder (even though he hand never heard God) than the bragadocious chants from this Goliath. David's focus was on his source of strength - God. How do you listen to God?

2. David did not wear someone elses' armor. David's king, Saul tried to put his armor on David, which was a great honor. The armour did not fit; David was a boy, Saul was a man. David took off the armour and picked up what he was gifted at using, his sling. We each have talents, expereinces, just what we need to defeat the Giants in our lives...be comfortable in your own skin and don't try to copy someone else.

3. David's courage came from God. I never see David in 1 Samuel 17 trying to motivate himself. David is caught up in a larger purpose than his own life...following and honoring God. As David focuses on fulfilling this specific role, he finds the strength he needs.

4. David ran toward the battle. Can you imagine running toward a fight with someone who was literally 2x your size and had extensive military experience? [48] When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:48 ESV) I love this verse...living life in the present tense, fully engaged. There is a lesson here for all of us.

5. David did not do a touchdown dance. David (at least in this story) won and showed humility. He did not gloat or dance, he finished his job and went home.

There is something about this story that helps my spiritual imagination say...I can do this too, I can slay the giants that stand in the way of reaching my God given potential. I hope it does the same for you.