Do you have any giants that you are facing in life?
These modern day giants can feel overpowering, intimidating and insurmountable!
What are some of these giants?
- Anxiety and fear
- Jealousy and envy
- Insecurity
- Greed
- Lust
- Anger and rage
Each of these “giants” fuel SHAME in our lives. We cover the SHAME with PRIDE and ISOLATION.
We may not be in the habit of facing the “giants” in our lives, but having and experiencing “giants” is a normal part of the human experience.
The Bible says in Romans that we ALL have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.
The challenge we may experience is doubt that the “giants” will ever leave!
Whether we like to acknowledge this or not, we actually become friends with our “giants”. Sure, it’s dysfunctional and broken, but it’s easy to acclimate, accommodate and cower to the “giant” that is overwhelming us.
Just yesterday, I was having a conversation with a student who felt shame because he was experiencing anxiety and fear because of his ongoing struggle with pornography and lust. And unfortunately it doesn’t help that the people he surrounds himself with are those who live behind emotional and spiritual walls of pride. He felt alone and inadequate that he could ever be free.
One of the greatest spiritual gifts that I encountered in my Chi Alpha community when I was a student was the gift of confession. I love how the amplified version expounds James 5:16.
“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored (to a spiritual tone of mind and heart). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working).”
I left the conversation with this student encouraging him that he is not alone and Jesus wants to walk alongside him in his brokenness and bring him healing and freedom. I also challenged him on the importance of humility and community. He doesn’t have to face his “giants” alone!
This is not an uncommon issue or problem. The “giants” in our lives are real!
This week, Holly and I are helping 13 courageous students face their “giants”.
We are starting our 16 week Restoring Wholeness groups at Northern Arizona Chi Alpha and Embry Riddle Chi Alpha. Along with our 3 RW leaders, we are modeling vulnerability, confession and freedom that is found in Christ!
JESUS brings hope, freedom and healing! “They conquered him completely through the blood of the Lamb and the powerful word of their testimony.”
Rev. 12:11