WEEK 13

T u e s d ay

“Who Is Your Giant?”

by Karen Makishima

Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9b

“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go.”

No matter how old I get I just can’t seem to shake the fear factor.
W e d n e s d ay
As a young child I was afraid to go to Kindergarten. Just when I seemed to have conquered
that fear, another one reared its debilitating head. My dad STRONGLY encouraged me to
overcome my fear of heights by making me jump off the high dive. I remember how my
palms would sweat as I climbed each rung on the ladder. The line of impatient pros behind
me would only add to the pressure. As long as my dad was watching, turning back was not an
option. Each baby step that I took to the end of the board was so painful. The voice inside of
me would continually tell me, “I can’t do it,” while my father’s voice was completely opposite.
But once I made the jump, I loved it! I could do it!

I wonder how many blessings we miss out on due to our fears that we perceive as “giants
in our land?” In the book of Numbers Moses sent out twelve spies to check out Canaan, the T h u r s d ay
land God promised them. They all saw how the land flowed with milk and honey and even
produced luscious fruit. But ten of the spies voted against entering the land due to the giants
(their perception) inhabiting the land. What made Joshua and Caleb different? Joshua knew
that the God who had been with Moses was going to be with him, too. That same God would
not fail him or forsake him (Joshua 1:5b).

As I grow older I continue to have giants in my life, such as the fear of failure and fear of not
being liked. That debilitating voice from childhood is still there telling me that “I can’t do
it.” But I also have a stronger voice from my Heavenly Father who STRONGLY encourages
me to make the jump. That same God that was with Moses, Joshua and Caleb is with us
commanding us to, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the F r i d ay
Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9b)

P r ay e r
Heavenly Father, We thank you for your voice of truth that wants us to experience your
blessings. Help us to recognize Satan’s voice and not allow our fears or giants to rule in our life.
We want to be strong and courageous. Thank you for never failing us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Under Armor For All Believers