Your Giant Is Going Down I Lions, Giants & Bears, But God I Frank Santora

Devotional

Day 1: Running Toward the Roar

David sprinted toward Goliath while seasoned soldiers cowered. His sandals kicked up dust as he pulled one smooth stone from his shepherd’s bag. The Philistine mocked, but David slung the stone with practiced precision. It sank into Goliath’s forehead—a shepherd’s tool felling a warrior. Faith doesn’t calculate odds; it charges forward. [01:21]

God chose a boy’s courage over a king’s armor. David’s victory proved giants fall not by human strength but divine partnership. Jesus later faced His own “giant”—death itself—with the same unstoppable trust in the Father’s power.

Your giants shout lies about your inadequacy. Run toward them today. Name one fear you’ve avoided confronting. What weapon has God already placed in your hand—prayer, Scripture, worship? When will you pick it up and charge?

"Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'"
(1 Samuel 17:45, NKJV)

Prayer: Ask God to show you one practical step toward your giant today.
Challenge: Write down the lie your giant shouts most often. Replace it with one Bible promise.

Day 2: The Shepherd’s Stone

David ignored Saul’s clunky armor. He knelt at the brook, selecting five water-smoothed stones. These weren’t weapons of war but tools of his trade—tested daily while guarding sheep. The stone that felled Goliath had been shaped by years of unseen currents, just as David’s faith was honed in lonely fields. [39:13]

God prepares us in obscurity. David’s confidence came from past victories over lions and bears, not military strategy. Jesus similarly used parables from agrarian life—mustard seeds, lost sheep—to teach kingdom truths.

Your “stones” are the skills and experiences God has already given you. Stop coveting others’ gifts. What mundane task or trial has God used to prepare you? How can you wield it boldly today?

"So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."
(1 Samuel 17:48, NKJV)

Prayer: Thank God for three specific ways He’s prepared you through ordinary life.
Challenge: Practice your “stone” today—pray aloud, share a testimony, or serve someone practically.

Day 3: Silencing Eliab’s Taunt

Eliab sneered at David: “Why did you come down here? With whom did you leave those few sheep?” David’s own brother weaponized his past—a shepherd, an outsider, a nobody. But David turned away, refusing to let family doubts drown out God’s call. [15:48]

Human voices often contradict heaven’s affirmations. Jesus faced similar dismissal: “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Yet He kept preaching, healing, and heading toward Calvary.

Who echoes Eliab in your life—questioning your calling, reminding you of failures? When did you last open your Bible to confirm what GOD says about you? Will you choose His voice over theirs today?

"Then Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, 'Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?'"
(1 Samuel 17:28, NKJV)

Prayer: Confess one lie you’ve believed about your identity. Declare Psalm 139:14 over yourself.
Challenge: Text or call someone who affirms your God-given purpose within the next hour.

Day 4: The Uncircumcised Promise

David roared at Goliath: “I come to you in the name of the Lord!” The term “uncircumcised” wasn’t an insult but a reminder—Goliath had no covenant. David stood on promises etched in Abraham’s flesh and Moses’ tablets. His confidence came from belonging. [29:51]

Every Christian inherits a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Jesus’ blood, not animal sacrifices, seals our victory. When giants taunt, we don’t cite our résumé but Christ’s resurrection.

What covenant promise have you forgotten? Health (1 Peter 2:24), provision (Philippians 4:19), or purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)? Which giant’s roar drowns out your birthright as God’s child?

"Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands."
(1 Samuel 17:47, NKJV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus aloud for one specific blessing His blood purchased for you.
Challenge: Write “THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S” on a sticky note. Place it where you’ll see it hourly.

Day 5: After the Stone Sinks

Goliath crumpled, but David didn’t stop. He drew the giant’s own sword and severed his head. Faith doesn’t just start battles—it finishes them. One stone began the victory; decisive action secured it. [47:37]

Half-obedience breeds recurring giants. Saul spared Agag (1 Samuel 15:9) and later lost his throne. Jesus completed His mission, declaring “It is finished” before rising in total triumph.

What “headless giant” still intimidates you—a forgiven sin, a broken habit? What symbolic act (burning a letter, deleting a contact) could declare your freedom today?

"Moreover David said, 'The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'"
(1 Samuel 17:37, NKJV)

Prayer: Ask God for courage to destroy one lingering tie to a defeated giant.
Challenge: Do one tangible thing today to cement a recent spiritual victory (e.g., donate old triggers, schedule accountability).

Sermon Summary

The David and Goliath narrative functions as a template for confronting the giants that block God’s purposes in human lives. The account emphasizes that faith reframes obstacles as doors to destiny, not merely threats to survival. Faith sees what God sees, voices what God declares, stands on covenant promises, and takes decisive action with the gifts given. The story contrasts natural measures of strength with spiritual realities: outward armor and human credentials cannot match a heart that trusts God and uses the weapons God provided. Voices of dismissal, doubt, limitation, and intimidation confront the believer, yet faith answers each voice with truth, testimony, and covenantal confidence. Faith does not remain mute before threats; it speaks authoritatively, persistently, and accurately from Scripture.

The narrative insists on practical obedience. God equips with particular skills and tools that fit the calling; proficiency matters, and practice prepares for the moment of confrontation. Action complements confession—strategic, obedient moves activate God’s intervention. The text rejects spiritual passivity and spiritual showmanship alike: success requires both reliance on God and the faithful use of God-given means. The account also affirms God’s desire to bless those who step into kingdom work, framing blessing as fuel for generosity and mission rather than mere comfort. Finally, the story reassures that divine partnership accompanies human obedience; supernatural guidance and the unseen hand of heaven bring needed direction and power so that what appears impossible becomes victory.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith sees giants as doors Faith reframes obstacles so that what looks like obstruction becomes the gateway to calling and blessing. Seeing with faith means holding an internal picture of God’s end from the outset, which changes how risk and hardship are valued. This reframing trains the heart to pursue kingdom opportunities hidden behind difficulty rather than to retreat from them. [05:26]
2. Faith speaks to opposing voices The tongue serves as spiritual front line; faith must answer accusations, dismissal, and intimidation with precise, scriptural declarations. Speaking back is not mere bravado but a theological act that names God’s reality over present appearance. Persistent, authoritative speech reshapes inner narrative and repels lies that would detour destiny. [13:57]
3. Faith stands on God's promises Standing commits the will to covenant truth even when cost appears high and success uncertain. A covenantal stance roots identity in God’s declared purposes, not in shifting human appraisal or resources. This posture sustains endurance and keeps priorities aligned with kingdom cause rather than comfort. [29:33]
4. Faith takes decisive obedient action Belief that does not move remains incomplete; faith throws stones—practical steps, repentance, training, giving, prayer—that put God’s word into motion. God honors faithful action and often multiplies modest efforts into extraordinary results, revealing that giftedness prepared and deployed invites divine intervention. Obedience activates both responsibility and supernatural aid. [36:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Reading: David and Goliath
[01:21] - Book introduction: Your Giant Is Going Down
[02:16] - David as a type of Christ
[05:26] - Faith sees differently
[08:05] - Giants as proportunities
[13:57] - Faith speaks back
[29:33] - Faith stands on the covenant
[36:36] - Faith strikes: take action
[46:14] - Trust spiritual weapons and God

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading
1 Samuel 17:48 (NKJV):
"So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."

Observation questions

What specific tools did David use to confront Goliath, and why were they significant compared to Saul’s armor? ([37:00])
What term does the sermon use to describe obstacles that are "opportunities disguised as problems," and what example was given about Connecticut churches? ([10:59])
How did David respond to the voices of dismissal, doubt, and intimidation from his family and Goliath? ([17:38])
What practical analogy did the sermon use to explain the importance of "smooth stones" in spiritual battles? ([39:31])

Interpretation questions

Why did David’s refusal to use Saul’s armor demonstrate a key principle about relying on God-given tools rather than human methods? ([37:56])
How does faith "reframe" obstacles as doors to destiny, and why might this perspective clash with natural human instincts? ([06:59])
What does the story imply about the relationship between persistent, scriptural speech and overcoming lies or intimidation? ([21:58])
Why might the "five smooth stones" symbolize both preparation and dependence on God’s supernatural intervention? ([49:48])

Application questions

What "giant" in your life have you been viewing only as a threat, and how could reframing it as a door to God’s purpose change your response? ([08:05])
Identify a negative voice (doubt, accusation, or intimidation) you’ve internalized. What specific scripture could you speak aloud to answer it, as David did? ([13:57])
What unique "sling and stone" (gifts, skills, or tools) has God given you that you’ve undervalued or neglected? How could you start using them this week? ([38:56])
What practical "rock" (action step) is God asking you to throw—forgiveness, generosity, therapy, or training—to activate His promises in a stagnant area? ([42:05])
When have you tried to fight a battle on the enemy’s terms (e.g., bitterness, comparison) instead of trusting spiritual weapons like prayer or praise? How can you reset your strategy? ([45:45])
What "rough edges" in your character (impatience, pride, fear) need God’s smoothing to become effective for His purposes? ([49:09])

Sermon Clips

But David wasn't fighting alone. See, I believe that when you take a step of faith, when you obey, when you strike, when you do what God said, that God's supernatural intervention all of a sudden shows up in your life. And I believe that as soon as that stone left that sling, that the unseen hand of heaven grabbed hold of that stone and projected it right where it was supposed to go so that it landed in the only place that could take the giant down. You need the hand of God in your life. If you don't have the hand of God in your life, there are certain things that are not coming down. [00:49:52] (37 seconds) #HandOfGod

But then after you've said it, after you've seen it, how many of you know faith also stands? Comes a moment where you've said everything you know to say and you've you've seen it the way God sees it, but now you need to take a stand. Scripture says, having done all to stand, stand therefore. Faith takes its stand on the word of God. Remember David when he said, you uncircumcised Philistine. That wasn't just smack talk. Be cool if it was. Right? But it wasn't. David was saying, I have a covenant you don't. [00:29:15] (32 seconds) #StandInFaith

What does Jesus do? He talks back. Now guess what the devil does? He tempts him again. Guess what Jesus does? He talks back. Devil comes and tempts them again. What does Jesus do? He talks back. See why? Because there's power in what comes out of our mouth. Proverbs chapter 18 verse 21 says, death and life are in the power of the tongue. James says that the tongue steers our entire life. Some people say, don't like the like life I have. What's my problem? Your answers are right underneath your nose. [00:22:01] (31 seconds) #PowerOfTheTongue

Because anytime you're about ready to step into your destiny, there will be Eliabs in your life who will remind you of all the wrong things about you. Eliab was saying, don't you forget who you are. Don't you forget where you came from. Don't you forget that you're really not part of this family. Don't you forget that you're illegitimate. Don't you forget that you're overlooked. Don't you forget that you're not king material. Don't you forget all these the voice voice of Eliab, the voice that tries to call into question everything that God says, the voice of accusation. [00:16:51] (29 seconds) #MoreThanEnough

There are a lot of people that overestimate the power of their giant and underestimate the power of the God who made you. Because David goes in with five, but how many stones does David use? One. God said, when you fight the giant and come out the other side, you're gonna realize not only are you enough, but you are more than enough because I created you. Everything I got gave you is more than enough, more than enough, more than enough. So he goes and he takes some rocks. But pastor, well, what if I by the way, the rocks are the action. In life you gotta throw some rocks. [00:40:23] (46 seconds) #ClaimYourDoor

See, when you know who God is, you know who you are. You know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. They looked at David, they said, you're not a king. He said, God says I am. They said, you're too small. He said, God says I'm strong. They said, David, you're overlooked. He said, God said, I'm an overcomer. When you understand who God is, you understand who you are. You gotta talk with authority. But not only that, well, what happens if it if it doesn't work? Speak relentlessly. [00:26:48] (29 seconds) #CauseOverCost

Jesus put his words on the inside of you. And so when you speak, you ought to speak authority knowing who God is, and therefore knowing who you are, knowing that you serve. Notice what David said. He said, you came to defy the armies of the living God. He said, this day all of Israel know there is a God. He talked to his mountain about his God, and because he knew who his God was, he knew who he was. [00:26:22] (26 seconds) #UnexpectedGiants

But here's the thing you need to understand. Faith also talks. Faith faith doesn't stay mute. Faith faith speaks. And and David, he had to face a lot of voices because not only do giants talk but the minions of the giants talk also. And the first voice that talked to David was Jesse, his own father. And this was the voice of dismissal. And when when Samuel came to Jesse's house to anoint the next king, Jesse brought in seven of his eight sons. [00:13:57] (27 seconds) #DavidPointsToJesus

You know, are certain stories in the bible that God didn't just record, he emphasized. And the story of David is one of those stories where we're supposed to love it because God made it so. Did you know that God devotes more time to talking about David in the bible than any other bible person other than Jesus. 66 chapters in the bible. And that means that God is saying something. He's saying, I want you to study this life. I want you to learn from this story. I want you to see something in David because David is supposed to lead us to Jesus. [00:01:53] (40 seconds) #GodDelivers

David was a shepherd. Jesus is the good shepherd. David was a king. Jesus is the king of kings. David was betrayed by somebody close to him, Absalom. And Judas, Jesus was betrayed by Judas. David was pursued by a king who wanted to kill him named Saul. Jesus was pursued by Herod. David delivered Israel from what? The fear of their enemies and Jesus delivered us from the fear of death, hell, and the grave. David defeated the greatest giant in the old testament, which was Goliath, and Jesus defeated the greatest giant of all time, sin, death, and hell. [00:02:32] (39 seconds) #AnointedIdentity

Well, I'm a believer. I got God on my side. That's not an excuse to be incompetent. Some of you need some training, maybe that's the rock that you throw. Some of you need some therapy, maybe that's the rock that you throw. Maybe you need therapy to get over everything you've been praying for God to get over. Some of you've been asking God for a financial breakthrough, but you haven't given a tithe since you've been saved. Look at that. That always gets four out of five claps every time. Because we want God to bless our lives without throwing the rocks, God said. [00:42:05] (38 seconds) #SeeProportunities

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Your Giant Is Going Down I Lions, Giants & Bears, But God I Frank Santora

Devotional

Day 1: Running Toward the Roar

Day 2: The Shepherd’s Stone

Day 3: Silencing Eliab’s Taunt

Day 4: The Uncircumcised Promise

Day 5: After the Stone Sinks

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Your Giant Is Going Down I Lions, Giants & Bears, But God I Frank Santora

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