Steph Curry, with the Golden State Warriors, is considered the greatest shooter in NBA history. But, when it comes to winning a jump ball against Victor Wembanyama, of the San Antonio Spurs, it’s just not going to happen. Curry, 6 foot 3 inches, amazingly showed up at the line, ready to square off against 7 foot, 4-inch Wembanyama, in a recent game. It was comical at best.
The funny thing was that Steph Curry squatted for his jump like he actually had a chance to get the ball. Comments on Twitter: “Why did Steph even try?” “That’s funny.” “He tried!” “I love Steph’s competitive spirit!”
We all can have our own giants. They aren’t usually tall, but they have a big impact on us and rob us of our peace and joy. Have you ever considered those things that tower over your mind and really affect you? Maybe fear. Fear of what’s going to happen. Fear of what’s going on in our world. Also, doubt can be crippling, making us think we can’t do what we can do! Self-doubt affects our work, our relationships, and our abilities, paralyzing our self-esteem and self-worth. What other giants do we face? Discouragement, loneliness, temptation, hopelessness, a significant problem, jealousy, resentment, pressures, and failures, to name a few.
Most of us have heard of the story in the Bible of David and Goliath. The story is about Goliath, a Philistine giant who was defeated by young David in a single combat. David was a young shepherd boy standing among a weak Israelite army. I can’t imagine what David must have thought when he saw how tall Goliath was! However, David didn’t seem so concerned about this “giant.” David had a sling and 5 smooth stones. He had complete trust in his God that He would help him overcome Goliath.
David told Goliath “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47) Perhaps, we struggle with our giants and allow them to defeat us repeatedly. Do we face them in our own strength? David’s words ring true today…. Our giants are the Lord’s battle, not ours.
I think it’s important to name and deal with the giants in our lives. Would you take a moment and write down what those giants are for you? Would you pray that God will help you confront your giant and see them in a different light? When I write these things on paper and name my giants, I then give them to the Lord. God gives me perspective as I pray about each one. Often, he shows me that it’s not so much the “giant” that is the problem, but how I’ve turned my situation into a giant.
I might note in the story of David and Goliath, that David’s confidence was not in his own ability. He knew he was no match for Goliath. David’s confidence was in God. David placed his confidence in a God who had carried him through the past and would carry him into the future. David was able to live with no doubt in his mind and no fear in his heart.
Just as David conquered his giant, we can too! Will we choose to trust and depend on the Lord in every situation we face? God is greater than any giant we will ever face.
Video of the jump ball between Curry and Wembanyama: https://www.
Take a listen: Courageous by Casting Crowns, https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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