3:246 – Giants or Windmills?

#faithbites #faithjourney giants

Setting

Lately the song, Man of La Mancha, has been going through my head. It’s the main song from the musical Man of La Mancha which is based on the novel, “Don Quixote”, by Miguel de Cervantes.

The book is about a nobelman, Hidalgo, who goes on an epic quest for his love, Dulcinea. His sanity is at question through most of the book. On his noble quest, he believes he is attacking giants while others see windmills.

I often try to slay giants but wonder if it is a windmill. Do you run into this? Maybe it’s debating politics. Perhaps it’s discussing religion, sex, or fiance. Are you truly fighting a giant or wasting your energy on something innocuous like a windmill? Or is it both depending on who is looking at it?

I also have had the song, Confidence by Sanctus Real. The chorus of this song is: “So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence”

While I’m not always sure, it’s a giant and not a windmill, my faith in Christ lets me always face my challenges with confidence.

Scripture

• Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
• Psalm 27:3 – Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident
• Isaiah 32:17 – The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

Reflection

Are you struggling in your battles? Are you fighting a windmill or a giant? It doesn’t matter as God will arm you, defend you, and strengthen you no matter the battle. He gives you peace, quietness, and confidence forever.

Whether it’s being like David, Daniel, or Moses, faith in God helps us know what we are fighting against and how to win the battles.

He will also help you know if it’s a giant to battle or a windmill to appreciate. We just need to listen to God.

I am not the man of La Mancha. I’m just trying to be a faithful servant who can face his giants with confidence. How about you?

Challenge

Are you tilting at windmills or battling giants? No matter what you are fighting, turn it over to God. Tell him what you are battling and ask for help. He may tell you to stand down or will give you what you need to win. No matter what, you will have confidence through him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us in all of our battles. Give us your strength for whatever battles lie ahead. Let us be confident knowing that you will provide an answer. You won’t let us lose to a giant and you will let us enjoy the beauty and utility of a windmill. Let us always seek your clarify and passion. When we fail, forgive us, and arm us for the next challenge. In your name, Amen.