I will face my 'D' giants!
Discouragement, Disapproval, Delays, Doubts
Everyone will face the four ‘D’ giants in their lives. When the Israelite nation finally crossed the Jordan River to take possession of the Promised Land, they faced these four giants. The may look different and come in different packages, but we all face them.
DISCOURAGEMENT – Israel vs Goliath
The armies of Israel were facing their giant – Goliath, a Philistine warrior who was massive in size and demeanor. They were overwhelmed with magnitude of this giant as he taunted them morning and night for forty days, releasing a spirit of fear and discouragement on them. But David comes and confronts this giant, viewing what looks like an impossible situation through the eyes of God and truth. Though David was realistic about the giant he faced, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin …” he also knew His God and chose instead to focus on Him, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel … David clearly states what God will do and what He will do, Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head.
Interestingly, the Bible says, that Goliath walked toward David (v.41) but David quickly ran out to meet him (v.48). That’s how you face your giants. Don’t cower in fear and discouragement but rather run towards your giants with your focus on greatness of God and the truth of who He is and what He will do because, battle is the Lord’s.
DISAPPROVAL – David & His Brothers
People may try to discourage you with their negative comments or mockery. David’s oldest brother Eliab, accused him of pride and rude, disrespectful behavior. It hurts when your falsely accused and all the more so, when it comes from family. But David continues to do what he knows to be right.
DELAYS – Joseph
After interpreting the dream of the baker and cup-bearer, Joseph faces a two-year delay before Pharaoh's cup-bearer remembers Joseph who interpreted his dream. We will all have what seems like delays in life’s journey. When we feel passed by, overlooked or forgotten, we must remember that the most important opportunities come when we least expect them. God calls us to trust him as He will be faithful, when we face, what seems like delays in reaching our destiny.
DOUBT – Jesus and Peter Walk on Water
Doubt is the fourth giant we will face in this life’s journey. Jesus comes to His disciples walking on water. Peter requests to join him and also walks on water briefly. But He loses His focus on Jesus who called him to come to him and looks at the circumstances around him – the wind and the waves – and begins to allow doubt to fill his heart and mind. Do not let doubt and fear rule your life. Refocus your heart and mind on Jesus and the promises He has made in His Word. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, focus on Jesus’ power rather than on your inadequacies. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on what’s happening around you.
Together we can face the ‘D’ giants in life and overcome! We do so by focusing on God, His greatness and promises, praying them over these four giants.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Read: Genesis 40:1-23; 41:1-14 1 Samuel 17:1-50; Matthew 14:25-32
Lord, I thank you for giving me life and sustaining me and my household this year.
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Lord, I resist discouragement, depression and fear of the future in Jesus’ name.
Ebenezer God, I thank You for divine providence and protection in Jesus’ name.
Lord, break-up satanic delays on my life. (mention the areas)
Father, reverse any satanic delays in the lives of my household in Jesus’ name.
In Jesus’ name, I reverse any satanic delays in PPT ministries as we progress to a place where we have never been before.
Gen 40:8 – Jehovah the problem solver, come through for me in these difficult situations. (mention them by name)
Gen 40:8 – Like Joseph, remind me of who You are in my difficult times.
Gen 40:9 – Jehovah cause my helpers to remember me in Jesus’ name.
Father cause my household helpers to remember them in Jesus’ name.
Lord, send divine helpers my way.
Gen 40:9 - In Jesus’ name cause our pastoral helpers to remember them at all times.
In Jesus’ name drive out the “giant of satanic delays” from my life, household and PPT.
1 Sam 17:8-11 – Lord, drive out the “giant of discouragement” from my life, household and PPT.
Lord, drive out the “giant of discouragement” from the ministries of PPT’s pastors in Jesus’ name.
Lord, break the stronghold of discouragement upon my life in Jesus’ name.
I resist the “giant of discouragement (Goliaths) from my life. I declare and speak hope in my situations. (mention them by name)
1 Sam 17:26-28 – Lord, I drive out the “giant of unholy disapproval” from my life and household.
Agents of disapproval assigned to PPT and my household, in Jesus’ name I render your work fruitless.
Matt 14:30 – Father, I pray that the FEAR will not rule over me.
Matt 14:31 – Lord Jesus’ help me not to doubt Your word.
Lord, remove any kind of doubt and fear from my life.
May my mind be filled with the word of God in Jesus’ name.
Pray for the sick among us for total and complete divine healing. (mention them by name)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Join the Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am this morning.
Dial: 647-977-2648
Code: 827-220-552#
Followed by our Worship & Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at PPT.