To answer the question of why God allows giants and enemies in our lives, we should look at the heroes of the Old Testament.
Before his encounter with Goliath, David was completely unknown. He lived an obscure life as a shepherd until God opened the door for him to achieve victory and success as a result of his confrontation with the giant.
Even though he was determined to kill him, God still allowed Goliath to challenge David as part of His plan to raise David up as the King of Israel.
The incident with Goliath illustrates the words of Paul in the book of Romans:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
The story of Joseph is another example of how God uses our enemies to pave the path of our success. The enemies of Joseph were his own brothers who had sold him into slavery. Years later, they were distraught when they realised that he had become the ruler of Egypt.
They expected Joseph to be bitter and vengeful but he had a different attitude.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20
What makes a great story?
Every great story follows a similar archetypical theme. The main character encounters a daunting challenge or a fearsome enemy, achieves victory despite seemingly impossible circumstances, and becomes a hero. In our own personal lives, each of us is the main character facing enormous challenges and opposition.
Why is it important to face our personal giants and enemies?
God’s intention is that as we face our personal giants and enemies, and learn how to overcome our difficulties, our lives start to reflect the stories of heroes recounted in the eternal halls of fame.
Why is time an important factor in the plan of God?
Ecclesiastes says:
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Your current situation may look horrible now, but give it time. When the story is complete, it will reflect a beautiful example of God’s grace and kindness in every aspect of life.
How do we become heroes?
In Corinthians, we read that:
“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8
When Jesus faced the ultimate battle against evil for the salvation of humanity, He prayed for his enemies saying:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Earlier in His ministry, He also said:
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:44
The true test of greatness is whether we can learn to maintain an attitude of love, integrity, and faith when everything seems to be against us. God is only allowing us to face these types of situations because He has planned a triumphantly happy ending for when the current season in this ongoing series of our lives comes to a close.