46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.” 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 17:46-48 (ESV)

Before David faced Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:46-48, he also had to fight through some mental giants in the pre-text of this chapter. Might I suggest that in vs 33, Saul reveals to David that he believes he will not win. The record shows no one was willing to face Goliath, not even Saul because of fear.  

We all have either faced, are facing, or will face some type of mental giant that can be just as big and intimidating as Goliath. Beloved there are also those spaces where we will have to face a “life type of Goliath” (sickness, life challenge, exams, interviews, etc.). We need to get through those thoughts that can keep us from becoming who God desires or even fulfilling the dream that He has put in our heart. Here are some of the mental giants David pressed through before he set out to face Goliath.

I. Delay. No dream is fulfilled instantly!!!! It doesn’t always manifest right away. It may be years before you see the fulfillment of your life’s dream. There is always a waiting period.

Here’s what’s deep concerning David; his father held him back from his dream. 

After Samuel anointed David as king, Jesse told David to get back to tending the sheep!

When it’s God’s plan, there will always be someone or something that will show a contradiction.  People may try to hold you back. Life changes may pop up to keep you down. Always expect the possibility of DELAY. When God allows a delay, it does not mean you’ve been denied. 

God is faithful, and he will complete his work in you in his timing.

II. Disapproval. David’s own brother questioned his motives about being there and disapproved of David going after Goliath. It is easy for people who trust and have faith in God to be misunderstood by people who are afraid to do the same. That is when you must decide what matters to you the most, the approval of others or God’s approval.

III. Discouragement. Goliath created a climate of fear as an enemy, and everyone was convinced they would lose in a fight against him. What statistic are you seeing that suggests you will not win? Who is speaking negatively around you, putting down your dream/vision to you? What or who is saying it won’t ever happen, or you won't be able to get it done? That’s what Saul tried to do to David mentally. He was an “expert” at battle, putting his opinion on David’s destiny. He literally told David he was too young, not experienced enough to succeed against a “Goliath”!!! Words like these from someone, or even just having these types of thoughts can make anyone start to doubt themselves.  “The Devil Is A LIE!!!!” Believe in yourself and know that your ability is empowered by God!!! “This giant is nothing. I am more than a conqueror because through God all things are possible!!!”