Facing Your Giants



I just finished reading Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado, and cannot put into words how inspirational this book is. Max has a way with words to keep things short and sweet, and the pages are alive as each paragraph oozes scripture and deeper meaning. I think I mentioned in my Fearless recap Max teaches you so much regardless of where you are in your walk with the Lord -- not only does he cite and reference from the bible, but there is a Study Guide in the back to further the teachings and messages.

Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado is a David and Goliath story for everyday people referencing David's high's and low's in his lifetime and relating it to ours. I was only familiar with David's nine-foot-nine-inch adversary he struck down with a strip of leather and a pebble -- so this book opened my eyes in more ways than one, particularly in the life of David.

I honestly wish I could quote the entire book, but here is an excerpt from Chapter 19; Take Goliath Down!

"He vies for the bedside position, hoping to be the first voice you hear. He covets your waking  thoughts, those early, pillow-thoughts of stress. He awakes you with words of worry, stirs you with thoughts of stress. If you dread the day before you begin your day, mark it down, your giant has been by your bed.
And he's just getting warmed up. He breathes down your neck as you eat your breakfast, whispers in your ear as you walk out the door, shadows your steps, and sticks to your hip. He checks your calendar, reads your mail, and talks more trash than players in an inner-city basketball league. 
"You ain't got what it takes."
"You come from a long line of losers."
"Fold your cards and leave the table. You've been dealt a bad hand." 
He's your giant, your Goliath. Given half a chance, he'll turn your day into his Valley of Elah, taunting, teasing, boasting, and echoing claims from one hillside to the other. Remember how Goliath misbehaved? "For forty days, twice a day, morning and evening, the Philistine giant strutted in front of the Israelite army" (1 Sam. 17:16 NLT). 
Goliaths still roam our word. Debt. Diaster. Dialysis. Danger. Deceit. Disease. Depression. Super-size challenges still swagger and strut, still pilfer sleep and embezzle peace and liposuction joy. But they can't dominate you. You know how to deal with them. You face giants by facing God first.  
Focus on giants--you stumble.  
Focus on God--your giants tumble." 
There are so many other dog-eared pages I wanted to share, too, but I encourage you to pick this book up and read it when ever you can. I think the reason Max Lucado is my new favorite author is because he writes how he speaks, and throws in a laugh or two -- as if you're sitting in church with him on Sunday morning. While Fearless was my first Max book, and this is my second, the teachings in his books are timeless, and I wouldn't be surprised if I pick these books up again.

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I want to thank each of you for sending good thoughts, vibes, and prayers my way -- my family and I are so grateful for the love and support, and truly believe in the power of prayer. Please keep them coming! Tomorrow is the day we find out some answers.

I want to close out this impromptu post with one last excerpt from Max Lucado's Facing Your Giants:

"David saw Goliath as a chance for God to show off! Did David know he would exit the battle alive? No. But he was willing to give his life for the reputation of God. 
What if you saw your giant in the same manner? Rather than begrudge him, welcome him. Your cancer is God's chance to flex his healing muscles. Your sin is God's opportunity to showcase grace. Your struggling marriage can billboard God's power. See your struggle as God's canvas. On it he will paint his multicolored supremacy."

In my Speechless Sunday #4 post I mentioned how worrying gives us something to do but gets us no where -- and how it is important to let go and let God ... I have been absolutely putting this into a conscious effort everyday, and while my journey and walk with the Lord is fruitful, I know there is so much more to learn.

My Dad is reading (or recently finished) Max Lucado's book, Fearless, and was blown away -- I know you will be to, so pick up both of these books -- and any book by Max for that matter. His stories truly inspire and spell out the teachings from the bible in a modern way.

I just started 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, and look forward to sharing my review of my third Max Lucado book soon!

Reference: Lucado, M. (2006). Facing Your Giants. Nashville, Tennessee: W. Publishing Group.

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12 love notes:

Elle said... [Reply]

You have been in my thoughts all week.

:)

Vanessa said... [Reply]

Such perfect timing!

I had a mini battle with a giant just a few minutes ago and am exhausted! But made it through- God made me a smart cookie so I had some quick maneuvering and it all worked out.

Thinking of you always sistren!

Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen said... [Reply]

HUGS, girl! You're all in my thoughts and prayers…keep us all posted!

Suz and Allan said... [Reply]

Great review! I'm going to have to start reading some of his books.

Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers! I'm anxious to talk to you girl and if there weren't an ocean between us I would have already driven to you! Love and miss you!

Katie @ Will Race for Carbs said... [Reply]

Pray is a powerful thing. I am praying for your family!

Christina @ The Athletarian said... [Reply]

Still in my thoughts, girl...hope you got nothing but positive results. Keep us posted :) xo

Anonymous said... [Reply]

Smile sweet girl..:)

C

Erica Gorman said... [Reply]

I am praying for you and your family and hope you get some good news.

Courtney said... [Reply]

Been thinking about you guys! This book sounds wonderful, I've never read any Max Lucado, sounds like I need to!

Ali Mc said... [Reply]

I maybe should go get this....from the library ;)

Anonymous said... [Reply]

God is always the answer. Keeping you in my prayers. Keep us posted!<3 Hope you come back with positive stuff. (:

Anonymous said... [Reply]

This book sounds reqlly good! I'm going to have to read it!
McKenzie, Mrs. Niceley's class.

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This place is all about Jennʻs Adventures: a Maui Girl who has evolved in to the modern day female nomad! Departing from her home in 2005 until the beginning of 2011, only the leave again less than a year later. Follow Jenn's Adventures in life, healthy living, travel, and love. To learn even more about Jennʻs Adventures, read this! Thanks for stopping by, please stay awhile & say ALOHA!

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