God has a chore list for me today. There will be jobs listed on it that only I can do, and he can’t wait for me to get started. Armed with my own unique gifts and talents, I wake up, looking forward to the day.
(Well, I look forward to it after my coffee… I’m all about full disclosure.)
So off I go to the golf course. Ready to start the day, I tee up my talent. Turning to grab my driver, I can’t get to the bag. There’s an Anakim standing in front of me.
I stand helplessly before this giant. I can’t get around him; I can’t go through him. Hanging my head, I sadly shuffle off to the clubhouse.
I stand helplessly before this giant. I can’t get around him; I can’t go through him. Hanging my head, I sadly shuffle off to the clubhouse.
Today, I read a passage of Scripture from the Book of Numbers. The Princes of Israel had just returned from scouting out the new land of Canaan. The Lord told Moses that this was Israel’s possession, a land flowing with milk and honey. The spies had returned, confirming that Canaan was beautiful and filled with good things to eat. They even brought samples of the fruit.
But. However. On the other hand…
This beautiful land was also a place that “consumed its inhabitants.” Enemies were everywhere. Especially frightening were the Anakim, a “race of giants.”
“Forget it. We’ve never going to win.” The house of Israel panicked, wailing in fright into the night.
Hmm. This got me thinking. What are the ‘Anakims’ in my life that scare me, causing me to give up? I’ll have a mission, and I’m ready to use my talents to achieve it. “I can do it!” I say to myself at the tee…but here they come: ‘I’m scared’, ‘I’m not ready’, ‘I’m not sure it’s right’, ‘I don’t think it’s my turn.’
But. However. On the other hand…
These excuses are my ‘giants.’ They are the Frankenstein’s that block my progress. In the golf analogy, I can’t get to my clubs. In life, I can’t get off the couch.
I can do it, I really can. But somehow I think about all the ways I can’t. So I don’t. Faced with these giants, I slink away, defeated.
Time for a new way of thinking. Those Anakim in the Scripture were ‘veritable giants.’ But so what? Hey, Israel! If God says the land is yours, the land is yours! Those giants won’t know what hit ‘em.
The same goes for me. If God calls me to tee it up and get moving on a project, then I’d best be going.
The Anakim? Get out of my way; you don’t matter. No more buts, howevers or ‘on the other hands.’ I have a job to do. No giant will block me from the will of God.
My tee shot is going to be a thing of beauty. Watch out. I am going to
crush
that ball.
Linking today with: Hear It On Sunday, Use It On Monday , The Beauty in His Grip , Playdates
Unite! , Teaching What Is Good
Linking today with: Hear It On Sunday, Use It On Monday , The Beauty in His Grip , Playdates
Unite! , Teaching What Is Good
Thanks Ceil, I neeed this! I will do what He has given me to to today. I am blessd and He has given me joy for this day. And I will do it in His stength. Have a wondrful week!
Have you thougt of takng Word Verfication OFF?
If you check only regitered users NO SPAM and safe. You ought to try it!
Blesings,Roxy
Hi Roxy! I have seen a site where could not have been filters on the comments, because the image was very offensive. And it was a Christian blog. So…I am hesitant to take off the verification. But I will think about it!
So glad you liked the post today, and that you have joy!
Ceil
I’m definitely more equipped to face the “giants” after a couple of cups of coffee, too. My husband is the golfer in our family. I just like to go along for the ride and take photos. (I can delete the “bad” shots, unlike in golf!) I definitely need to have God slay a few giants for me, instead of trying to take them all on myself. Thanks for the thoughts as we begin a new week, full of new and old “giants.”
Hi Kim! Thanks for coming on over today! It was nice to visit you yesterday
I am actually not a golfer. I took lessons as a teen and despised it. Probably because I was not instantly good at it, which all teenagers expect to be! But it’s a good image for what I wanted to convey. I love your photos, you do a great job.
Come on over anytime. I’d love to get to know you better.
Ceil
Ceil, this gave me such needed encouragement. I’m facing some giants right now, and they’re pretty intimidating. I forget that God has already won the victory – and HE will infuse me with courage.
I’m no golfer, but if I was – I’m thinking I’m teeing up and hitting a hole-in-one!!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! Hey, I’m no golfer either, but let’s just whack it out of the course!
I’m going to pray that you beat up those giants with God at your side. Thanks for coming to visit me!
Happy Monday,
Ceil
Ceil: I also needed this. I get bogged down in a story and practically give up. I believe it’s a very severe case of “writer’s block.” I told my prayer team that I have poor ‘follow through.’ I know I need to trust God and continue as He guides. Thanks for this message.
Hi Cecelia! Boy, can I relate to that! I have been working on a blogpost for the longest time, why won’t it work out?? But, I’ll just tee it up again, and give it a swing.
If you trust God, you’ll hit it out of the park, Cecelia. I just know it
Thanks for coming by!
Ceil
Hi Ceil!
Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. It really cheered my heart.
And yes, I need to tee up for life too!
Hi Tonya! Lol! I guess we all need to get by that giant and get to swinging that club.
Have a great day, Tonya!
Ceil
Hi Ceil, it is my turn to appreciate your honesty here. Yes, I’ll conquer the world – after TEA! Lol! Seriously though, I love your analogy. My devotion for the day was about doing everything that you do as unto the Lord to the best of your ability. So this post, for me, is just another nudge in that direction. Great post
God bless
Tracy
Hi Tracy! Your post was awesome today, and I am glad this underlined it for you.
Sometimes its hard to face my own fears, and I have to do just what I can and see if the Lord will adjust my swing. How about that for a golf metaphor?
Great to see you here, my blog friend!
Ceil
Such a lovely analogy. I’m not much of a golfer, but I definitely have those fears in my life.
I’m so glad you visited my blog… as I am always on the lookout for Christian bloggers to follow.
Wishing you a blessed day.
Hi Jennifer! Oh thank you, I really enjoyed writing this post, the golf thing just sort of jumped out. I am no golfer, but I took lessons and despised every moment of it! But, I guess it paid it’s benefits today
Thank you for joining me, I am honored to have you here!
Ceil
Such a creative and funny way to make a powerful point, Ceil! I think I’m very much like you and let my fears and lack of faith kick in when I’m facing down the “giants in my land.” In fact, I’ve been praying lately that God would help me with my unbelief and increase my faith, so I really resonate with your feelings and thoughts here, my friend! Thanks for this timely challenge and as an extra bonus, a giggle or two!
Hi Beth! Thank you, you are so generous!
I guess the giants really represent a lapse in faith, good point. I love that prayer you are praying, about having belief, but wanting it shored up. So true!
Appreciate your sense of humor! Thanks for coming on over today
Ceil
This makes me smile AND encourages me to go get ’em at the same time.
Thanks, Ceil.
Love this:
“Hey, Israel! If God says the land is yours, the land is yours!”
Amen.
Hi Lisa! That was a fun line to write, gotta admit!
So happy it made you smile. Makes it all worthwhile. Thank you for your always encouraging comments, Lisa.
Blessings!
Ceil
You go girl, crush on.
Hi Denise! Oh, I love your enthusiasm! It is catching, so I’m going out right now to tee off
Thank you so much for your fun, encouraging comment.
Ceil
I love your tenacity and drive (did I just make a golf pun).
You know many years ago I was facing a major health scare and I read the same scripture and God went on to tell Joshua “chazak v’ ematz”. This is Hebrew for be strong and courageous.
Thank you for your post. It helped remind me that we all can overcome obstacles.
Many Blessings!
Sue
Hi Sue! Good pun! We do need to be strong and courageous, that’s for sure. St. Paul says we do not have a spirit of timidity, so we better get out there on the golf course of life.
Nice to see you here!
Ceil
Hi Ceil, our Lord has a sense of humor, that’s for sure. I also wrote about golfing on my morning blog post and I’m not a golfer either! I had to do a double-take when I saw you had chosen a similar topic. Made my day
-Barbara
Hi Barbara! Great minds, right? LOL!
I’ll have to shoot over and take a look. Golf has a lot of great metaphors for life. I just wish I liked the game
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Hi Ceil, Thanks for visiting my blog today. It is nice to meet you as well. I like what you have to say. I have Anakims’ in my life as well, sometimes of my own making. This gave me a lot to think about.
Blessings to you
Chelle
Hi Chelle! So great to connect with you, and thank you for joining the blog today!
We all have those voices that say we can’t, just like you were saying in your post today. We’ve just got to tee it up, and swing away. God will be with us!
I look forward to getting to know you better
Ceil
Some days the fears and excuses just run me over and smash me flat. I’m working on that. Great post and analogy — I’ll remember it the next time an excuse sits on my lips.
Hi Pamela! Thanks for your encouraging comment.
I did like the analogy of golf, even though I don’t much like the game! I hope I’ll meet my giants with courage!
Good to see you!
Ceil
Thank you, my dear Ceil, for this post. I have a few giants in my life that I like to push to the side and “forget” about, but it’s time I find strength and courage in the Lord and face them! Your writing is always such a blessing to me. Enjoy your day
Much love!
HI Stephanie! Oh my, we all have those pesky giants that get us off track. I know the Lord will give you every blessing in strength to win!
You are such an encouragement to me, Stephanie. I only hope I am that for you too.
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
Excuses can be such giants in our lives. Thanks for the encouragement to get them out of the way and get on with what God has for us to do!
Hi Mindy! Boy, are you right about that. It’s too easy for me to give in to those negative voices. I need the encouragement along with everyone else.
Gotta get out on the course and swing away!
So good to see you, Mindy!
Ceil
Seriously, Ceil? Have you been reading my diary? You have no idea how this was a smack in the face for me…in a good way
I’ve got something to do and have been making excuses so thanks for kicking me off the couch!
Hi Angel! Wow. I am so happy that this was a timely post for you. (I”ll give you your diary back tomorrow. LOL!)
You just give those giants a ‘smack in the face’, they’ll leave. They are afraid of you! They know God is with you always.
Love seeing you here, Angel!
Ceil
Ceil,
This is a fun analogy. I will always think now of obstacles being Anakim in my life.
God promises I can be an overcomer – through Him. Get out of the way, Anakim!
Hi Jerralea! Nice photo
It was a fun post to write, and the golf thing just sort of popped up in my head. Love that spunky ‘Get out of the way, Anakim!’ We’d be good in battle together!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Ceil, confession time. I ‘stole’ your bible verse to use on my post. I tried to find a way of emailing you but couldnt.
Hope you will forgive me.
Hi Elizabeth! LOL! And I forgive you!
I have an email Contact Form on the first page of the blog, just in case.
I am happy that you liked it so well, that you grabbed it. It looks nice on your blogpost! We’re all good.
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
happy golfing Ceil(:)
Thanks, Patty! Want to come tee one up with me??
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
Ah yes, my good friend excuses. I can’t do it because…x..y..z…NO, I *can* do it through God, who strengthens me and makes a way. Love this post!
Hi Anne! Oh, I think we are all pretty good friends with out excuses. But we can bust through with God, just like you pointed out.
Thanks for the encouragement, Anne!
Ceil
Dear Ceil
Oh, I can just see in my midnd’s eye a Goliath standing a few feet from you and you taking aim and with the perfect shot sending the golf ball right between Goliath’s eyes! That’s a girl!!
Blessings XX
Mia
Hi Mia! I like your mind’s eye, I never thought of it being like me and Goliath. Good idea!
Thanks for the encouragement too
Ceil
Great point about our own giants in our lives Ceil!
Thank you for visiting me! I have been a slack blogger lately – so busy, so distracted with other things in life.
Many blessings to you today! I hope to see you again soon.
In Him,
Beth
Hi Beth! I am honored that you would spend the time to visit, as you are so busy. Thank you!
I’m glad you liked the post. I hope I’ll see you here again too. I’d like to get to know you better.
Blessings to you,
Ceil
OH I love this! I really enjoy your writing, and I love that you said “CRUSH” it with it underlined. With Christ’s strength we CAN do it. This was just what I needed to hear.
Hi Amanda! Thank you for coming here and visiting today!
Thank you for your encouraging comments too. You are so sweet! I tried to follow you back to a blog, but was having trouble finding one that was current. I hope you’ll come here again, and we can get to know each other better
Happy Wednesday!
Ceil