THE GIANT AND THE LITTLE PHILISTINES
A Clarion Call to Stay Vigilant in Your Victories
“Then David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.”
—1 Samuel 17:51 (NKJV)
Beloved, I feel this word is burning like fire in my bones. It’s not just another familiar Sunday school story but a prophetic picture of your life, battles, and journey in Christ. I urge you to lean in with spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit says to His Bride.
David stood on a battlefield drenched with the fear of Israel. For forty days, Goliath had mocked the people of God, shouting with brazen arrogance and blasphemy. A towering, seemingly undefeatable enemy. A symbol of every giant that looms over you and me, taunting us, trying to paralyze us with intimidation.
But then… a shepherd boy stepped forward.
Not with armor or sword, but with a sling, five stones, and a heart ablaze with faith. He ran—not walked—toward the enemy. He flung that stone with heavenly precision, and the giant crashed to the earth. But, dear one, don’t miss this: David didn’t stop there. He ran to the lifeless body, drew Goliath’s own sword, and cut off his head.
Why?
Because sometimes you have to silence the voice of your giant once and for all. The enemy doesn’t get to whisper lies in your ear after he’s already fallen. No. You sever the voice. You cut it off with the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God.
YOUR GIANTS MUST FALL
You and I face giants in this life—giants of bondage, lust, fear, addiction, negativity, shame, and unworthiness. Giants that scream at us in the night, “You’ll never change.” Giants that loom with generational strongholds and stubborn mindsets. But the same God who gave David victory will give you victory!
That addiction?
That secret struggle?
That mental torment that no one else sees?
The Lord of Hosts fights for you! (See Exodus 14:14)
But beloved, hear this sobering truth: just because you’ve slain a giant doesn’t mean the war is over.
THE LITTLE PHILISTINES STILL COME
Yes, David killed Goliath. But he wasn’t done fighting. He spent the rest of his life battling Philistines. Some were large, yes—but most were small. Insignificant in appearance, yet persistent. They kept coming.
And so it is with us.
The giant may fall, but little Philistines sneak in afterward. Small sins we call them. Little compromises. Attitudes we justify. Offense, we coddle. Criticism we mask as discernment. Gossip we cover as a concern. Lustful glances. Secret pride. Spiritual laziness. These little Philistines don’t roar like Goliath, but they whisper. And sometimes whispers are more dangerous than shouts.
They say:
“God understands… just a little.”
“You’ve earned the right to rest now.”
“Surely that sin isn’t as serious…”
DON’T CAMP OUT ON OLD VICTORIES
Dear one, don’t pitch your tent around an old miracle. Don’t polish your old trophy while the enemy sets new traps. Don’t rest your sword in the scabbard when the enemy plots your downfall. The Philistines didn’t stop attacking Israel just because Goliath died. They came back again and again and again.
This is not to discourage you—it’s to awaken you. We are overcomers, yes—but the overcoming must continue.
“For we are not ignorant of his devices…”
—2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)
LITTLE FOXES, LITTLE PHILISTINES
The Song of Songs speaks of little foxes that spoil the vineyard. They come not with armies, but with subtlety. They slip in during the quiet hours—while we’re resting on old victories—when we think we’re safe. They eat the roots. They infect the vine.
In the same way, the little Philistines seek to rob your strength. They don’t need to destroy you overnight. It just wears you down. One compromise here. One neglected prayer there. One unguarded thought. Until your edge is gone—and you didn’t even realize it.
A CALL TO VIGILANCE
This is not the time to be sleepy. This is not the time to be spiritually passive. This is the hour to:
• Put on the whole armor of God
• Sharpen the sword of the Spirit
• Stand watch over the garden of your heart
• Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh
• Stay awake in the night watches
• Keep the oil in your lamp
Beloved, you will win not just against Goliath, but also the little Philistines. You are more than a conqueror. You are the Bride of Christ. You were made for battle. And more than that, you were made for victory.
Not in your strength. Not in your resolve. But through the blood of the Lamb, the word of your testimony, and the grace that empowers the humble.
Don’t be deceived—just because the battlefield is quiet doesn’t mean the war is over. Giants fall, but Philistines return. Don’t hang your armor on the wall just yet.
Stay awake. Stay sharp. Stay hidden in Christ.
Because there is one greater than David—our eternal Champion—who already crushed the serpent’s head and who fights beside you, sword in hand, whispering, “Fear not, beloved. I am with you, even to the end of the age.”
PRAYER:
Lord, awaken my spirit. Let me not be lulled into slumber by past victories. Help me discern the little Philistines and foxes that threaten my walk with You. Strengthen my arms for battle. Sharpen my discernment. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit. Let me not just be a giant-slayer, but a faithful warrior in every season—vigilant, devoted, and full of holy fire.
In Jesus' name!
With Love,
Steve Porter
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Excellent word! Thanks Steve!
Yes! Those little foxes 🦊