Giants Still Fall | Jentezen Franklin
In the ups and downs of life, we all encounter moments that feel impossible to overcome—seasons when obstacles stand like insurmountable giants in our path. Whether it’s a looming financial crisis, a diagnosis that shakes us, or a spiritual struggle that won’t let go, these giants can rattle even the strongest faith. But the good news is, just as God helped the heroes of the Bible defeat their giants, He empowers us today to overcome anything that threatens our peace or destiny. In this article, we’ll explore how to face modern-day giants, the power of spiritual legacy, and how creating the right atmosphere can equip you and those around you to be giant killers for the Kingdom.
Celebrating Fathers and Spiritual Legacy
At the heart of every strong family and church stands the power of spiritual fathers—men who point us to the faithfulness of God. On Father’s Day, we honor the dads who are present and those who have gone on to glory, leaving a legacy not just of provision, but of prayer and perseverance. Today, we celebrate every father and recognize their irreplaceable value in the kingdom of God. As we do, we remember the spiritual fathers who led us by example, showing us how to trust God through every battle.
But spiritual legacy doesn’t stop with one generation. Just as David fought his battles and then watched a new generation rise up, each of us is called not only to defeat our own giants but to empower others to do the same. The torch of faith is passed by living a life surrendered to God’s presence, by interceding for the impossible, and by believing that what God did before, He is able to do again.
Understanding the Story: Giants Throughout Scripture
The Bible has much to say about literal and figurative giants. While we’re fascinated by the stories of Goliath and his kin—men of massive stature and intimidating strength—these tales also carry rich meaning for us today. The physical giants in books like Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Samuel were more than just tall warriors; they symbolized overwhelming opposition and spiritual strongholds.
Consider David, not the shepherd boy of our Sunday school memories, but an older king stepping bravely onto the field of battle once more. Gone were the days of youthful energy, but his heart remained fierce. Still, as he faced yet another giant—the son of a giant, wielding a weapon made for destruction—David began to falter. The Bible says he grew faint, and the outcome teetered on disaster until Abishai, a young man inspired by David’s courage, stepped in to strike down the enemy.
This moment marked a turning point. David, the original giant killer, was not alone. The spirit he carried lit a fire in a new generation, birthing not just one but several giant killers out of his legacy. Others from Bethlehem, stirred by faith and courage, would soon step into their callings and defeat the giants in their own paths.
Modern-Day Giants and Their Tactics
Giants in biblical times were defined by size and strength, but today, our giants are far more subtle. They show up as fear, addiction, doubt, anxiety, and the relentless pressures of living in a fallen world. These spiritual giants have three things in common: they are big, they are loud, and they wield dangerous weapons.
Intimidation Through Size
The first aim of every giant is intimidation. In the Bible, Goliath’s size alone caused the armies of Israel to cower in fear. In our lives, the “bigness” of a problem often does the same. Insurmountable debt, a broken relationship that seems beyond repair, or an illness stacked against us can feel towering and impossible. But it’s precisely in these moments that God wants to remind us: we don’t fight with our own strength but with His.
The Power of Voice
Giants don’t fight silently. Goliath, for example, taunted the Israelites daily, shouting threats each morning and evening for forty days. Our giants do the same, filling our minds with doubt and fear. Thoughts like, “You’ll never be free,” or “You’ll never overcome this,” are the modern echoes of ancient taunts. The voice of the enemy is persistent and loud, aiming to wear us down and convince us that victory will never come.
The Threat of Weapons
Every giant is armed, not just with brute force but with weapons designed to exploit our weaknesses. Whether it’s shame, guilt, past failures, or negative words spoken over us, these are the enemy’s arsenal. But the promise for every believer stands: No weapon formed against you shall prosper. God has ensured that, no matter how intimidating the enemy’s resources, none can ultimately prevail over those who belong to Him.
The Characteristics of Giant Killers
While giants are defined by their overwhelming presence, giant killers are marked by something entirely different. Throughout the stories of David and those who followed him, the Bible never focuses on their physical strength, statures, or impressive resumes. Instead, giant killers are distinguished by their reliance on God and a willingness to step into battle even when afraid.
Giant Killers Rely on God, Not Themselves
In the face of overwhelming odds, David declared to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord.” Victory is never about human strength—it is always about God’s presence and power working through willing vessels. Giant killers recognize that true might doesn’t come from size or skill but from surrender to God’s authority.
They Cultivate the Right Atmosphere
Scripture reveals that giant killers often come from the same places. Places like Bethlehem—which means “House of Bread”—became spiritual incubators, consistently producing heroes of faith. What
