Many years ago, while Marge and I were on a trip to Maui, I piggy-backed a visit to the island of Oahu onto the experience. I had a cousin that was in the Navy and stationed at Pearl Harbor and took advantage of seeing my cousin and enjoying a personal tour guide of the island. I’ll never forget one day he asked me if I was feeling adventurous. Always, the response came blurting out. A few hours later, I was seriously reconsidering my response. We stood at the base of a Hawaiian volcanic cone named Koko Head, a stark unpaved path cut a clear scar directly up its sheer side. The task he proposed seemed rather apparent now, we were going to hike up this giant.
I’d never attempted such a hike and I’ll never forget sizing up my opponent as we stood at its base. It was huge, it loomed, it seemed to issue the challenge. Climb if you dare. But you know a funny thing happened as we accepted the challenge and started to climb. The farther we elevated, the smaller it seemed. You see, our vantage point was constantly changing as we continued to climb, ever nearing the peak. The giant that had loomed before me, taunting me, was becoming smaller with every step.
I’ve also noticed the same principle with obstacles in life. As you stare them down before engaging them, they can seem unbelievably ominous, impossibly large and well, sometimes just beyond conquest. Sometimes satan knows just what giants to put in our path to get our fear gears turning. He can, many times locate just the right giant to place in our path that will cause us to hesitate too long, pause too much or in instances, even turn around and high tail it to the safety of our comfortable familiarity. Paralysis by analysis.
Today in Joshua chapter 17 we see an example of a giant that stood directly in the path of the tribe of Ephraim, literally. We see that their land was only partially excavated and cleared compared to the other tribes and they quickly came to Joshua to voice their concerns. The other tribes got more land and better land, we want more, they said. And on top of this, one of the enemy tribes that opposed them, the Rephaites, were giants. Joshua’s response is not only to the tribal leaders of Ephraim, but directly to us today:
“The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly. If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites. The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth-Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel. But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” Joshua 17:14-18
One of the two tribes of the lineage of Joseph, Ephraim, stood quietly and carefully, examining the giants that stood before them. The heavily forested land loomed before them, within that forest their own personal giants stood waiting. Do you know what’s ironic about their plight? God had already given them this land. It was within the defined borders of the land God had given them as an inheritance, all they had to do was claim it. But yet their giants loomed before them, silently taunting them to take that first step. Many times, as we size up that giant too long, instead of getting busy fighting, we squirm. We look for an easier softer way. We complain, we expect, we whine, we retreat, we give up…before the fight even begins.
Joshua’s response was classic, especially considering he belonged to guess what tribe? Yep, Ephraim. He says if you want more land, go get it, it’s sitting right in front of you. Don’t complain about how much you have until you’ve claimed all that God has given you. Oh, what a life lesson for us today. We have a tendency to quickly look at what others have whether it be provision, health, purpose or ministry. They have more than me, I want my share. They have a perfect family, I want mine. They have a bigger house and better cars, I want mine. They have a fruitful, flourishing ministry and God has not blessed my ministry, I want more. I deserve to have what they have. Folks, until you have claimed all that God has promised you, lose this line of entitled logic. You see, God gives us plenty, but many times it looms over us like a giant and says, come and take it. It will be hard work, it will be tough, it will cause hardships and often times, it might even require you to break a sweat for Jesus. But in God’s perfect wisdom, the work, the fight, the struggle, is all part of His plan.
Today, what giants are looming in your path? Financial problems, maybe even bankruptcy? Marital problems, possibly a divorce that is staring you in the face? Family problems, a kid that is out of control? Spiritual issues, as you feel yourself drifting from God during this pandemic that prohibits you from gathering at your church? Sin problems, as you find yourself drifting from God, you find yourself drifting into sin? Whatever the giant, God has put it there and there’s no way around, only through it. And the only way through it is in the abundant power and provision of Jesus Christ.
As my cousin and I finally took our last steps and crested the summit of Koko Head, a feeling of triumph overwhelmed us. The view that greeted us was quite the reward. Diamond Head loomed in front of us and just beyond, the high rises of Honolulu stood tall and proud, reflecting the bright morning sun. In stark contrast, the modern steel and glass was gingerly bordered by the soft sands of Waikiki Beach, littered with the small dots of people surfing and sunbathing. The giant that stood mightily before us hours before, had been slain. And it had been done by first making up our minds to take that first step.
Today, take that first step up the mountain. Instead of focusing too much on the size of the mountain, make it smaller by getting busy, step by step. Today, just as Joshua instructed the tribe of Ephraim, get busy, chop that wood, clear that land and claim what God has already promised you. God has promised you great things today, take the first step, get ready to chop some wood and claim them all.
I pray today your giants will be readily vanquished as you move forward in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23
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