What Is A Spiritual Giant

Billy Graham passed away on March 2, 2018, and the world mourned his loss. It didn't come as a shock. He was 99 years old and had been in poor health for quite some time. He slept for the majority of his days. He didn't say much. Even still, accepting the fact that one of history's greatest servants of God is no longer among us seems difficult.

Before that, no one had ever preached to a million people. No one had ever communicated with over a billion people using technology before. No one had ever met so many American presidents and foreign leaders, let alone provided spiritual counsel to them. Graham held private talks with Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Lady Diana, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others.

How could God let one of his finest servants leave the battleground, and what will we do without him? There are a few things to think about.

1. Every spiritual giant, no matter how big or efficient for God's kingdom, will inevitably come to an end in this life.

Jesus, the greatest of all earthly pastors, only lived to be 33 years old. Both Peter and Paul died prematurely.

George Whitefield, the greatest evangelist of his time, as well as David Brainerd, Jonathan Edwards, and many others, died at an early age. We'd expect God to bless each of these people with extraordinary health and vitality until they reach the age of 120 or beyond. However, God does not.

They are discharged from active duty once they have fulfilled their heavenly mission on earth. When one giant falls, it appears that God will eventually rise another.

No one could have predicted a successor to Moses, but Joshua led the Israelites to regions where Moses had failed. Even though Elijah was unique, Elisha performed twice as many miracles as his predecessor.

D.L. Moody was the most influential evangelist of his time. Wilbur Chapman was converted throughout his ministry. Billy Sunday came to faith as a result of Chapman's ministry. Mordecai Hamm was converted as a result of Sunday's ministry. Billy Graham was converted as a result of Hamm's ministry.

2. Each epoch has produced a new generation of God's servants who carried out God's plans in their time.

When we think of somebody like Moody or Graham, it's hard to believe that another Christian leader of their stature could ever exist. However, this is due to our lack of understanding of how God creates spiritual giants. We assume that these men and women possessed a rare ability to commune with God on a personal level.

They must have found it easy to believe in God and trust Him to perform miracles. They had to be exceptionally gifted orators with an abundance of charisma and charm. Such individuals, it seemed to us, are rarely seen on the global stage.

3. Spiritual giants are folks like you and me.

Billy Graham was, in truth, a very ordinary man. His sermons were not particularly eloquent. Graham, on the other hand, preached with zeal and conviction. While not everyone is gifted with eloquence, everyone has the chance to grow in their faith and passion for God's Word.

Every person has the ability to become a student of God's Word and devote his or her time to prayer. Billy Graham grew up in a very poor family. He grew up on a farm. He lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the majority of his adult life. He dropped out of his first college after one semester, and the school president declared him a failure.

He was rejected by the first lady he ever loved because she did not believe he had enough potential for ministry! He spoke four sermons in a row in his first sermon, which lasted eight minutes! No one remembers seeing Graham as a young man and thinking, “This is our generation's next great preacher!” Nonetheless, that is exactly what he became.

The truth is that the world most likely does not require another Billy Graham-like leader.

But there's no denying that spiritual giants are required. Because they usually come from odd areas, it's unlikely that many will witness the next one “Giant” is on its way. We also need multiple brigades of spiritual foot soldiers who are performing their calling, not simply a handful of giants.

We need people who, like Graham, are sold out for God and willing to obey whatever He says and go wherever He sends them. We need people who are willing to spend a lot of time in prayer and studying God's word until they are able to proclaim it confidently and persuasively.

We don't have time to tremble in fear because our champion is no longer with us. It's time to take a personal inventory of everything God has commanded us to accomplish, and then double-check that we're following through on the mission He's given us.

We may not be the next Billy Graham, but we should strive to be a true reflection of the person God created us to be.

Richard lives in Jonesboro, Georgia, and is the president of Blackaby Ministries International. Richard gives talks on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace, as well as spiritual awakening, encountering God, and living the Christian life, all over the world. Richard ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders on a regular basis. Experiencing God: Revised Edition, Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda, and Experiencing God: Day by Day are among the 33 books he has written or co-authored.

• When you don't know where you're heading, how can you encourage people to follow you? (by Carey Nieuwhof)

What are the giants in life?

The story of David and Goliath is well-known. We were captivated as children by the fact that someone as small as David could murder a giant. Here's David, whose primary responsibility was to look after the sheep. I picture him as a thin, little child with great thoughts and even bigger goals. David was the youngest of eight kids and was known as “baby bro.” David's father, Jesse, decided to send him on a basic task. He's meant to bring a snack to his older brothers and return home with good news on his younger brother's health.

How many times have you gone out of your way to remedy a minor problem that evolved into a major one? How many basic decisions have you made that have backfired and resulted in what appeared to be the next world war? David leaves his sheep with another shepherd early the next morning and embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

We all have giants in our life these days. Your Goliath might not be nine feet four inches tall, with a bronze helmet on his head and a 125-pound coat of bronze armor. Unemployment, desertion, sexual abuse, or sadness could all be giants in your life. “Today, I stand and dare the army of Israel!” your giant may not yell in front of you and your people. “Send one of your soldiers to fight against me!” (NCV, I Samuel 17:10) Goliath yelled and threatened the Israelites as he marched up and down the slopes of the Valley of Elah. Your Goliath strides through your office, classroom, church, and, tragically, perhaps even your household. Bills you can't pay, grades you can't get, people you can't please, and so-called Christians who pretend to love you are all on his way.

Whiskey you can't say no to, drugs you can't say no to, pornography you can't deny, a career you can't escape, a history you can't shake, and a future you can't face are all part of today's Goliath. How long has this Goliath been following you around? How long have you been allowing this Goliath to rule your mind? How many generations have been wiped off by the same Goliath? Maybe your father fought Goliath's father. Is this Goliath your morning companion and your nighttime tormentor? The narrative of David and Goliath reminds us of our own personal Giants. Within the confines of marriage, we are always fighting Giants.

Adultery, bitterness, unforgiveness, debt, lust, loneliness, explosive tempers, fragile self-image, verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and so on are some of the Giants we face. We've got a good grip. Satan loves to stomp on our marriages and relationships with strongholds. He enjoys whispering in our ears.

What is your war plan for eliminating your Goliath, my question? Do you want to hide in a cave or do you want to battle with your spiritual weapons? Follow David's example! David arrived to the battle and began talking about God. “Who does this fool believe he is?” he asked the folks gathered around him. How insane is he to believe he has the authority to speak against the troops of the Living God? (17:26) (I Samuel 17:26) David confronts Saul and declares that he is capable of defeating Goliath. Whatever Saul says, David is confident that God will defend him. He tells Saul about how God delivered him from the lion's and bear's paws. He declares to all that God will release him from this Philistine's grasp (17:37). We sometimes overlook the number of wars the Lord has waged on our behalf. With his response to Goliath in verses 45-47, David demonstrates God's allegiance by simply stating that there is a God in Israel. He asserts that the war belongs to the Lord, and that God doesn't require swords or spears to fight. The all-powerful Lord will deliver the Philistines to the Israelites.

We all know how this unbelievable tale ends. David kills Goliath with one stone, one try, and one sling, as we know. You might wonder what makes his narrative so remarkable. David took the proper approach to his colossus. Nobody else was talking about God. There was no one else on David's mind but God. This battle was beyond human comprehension.

It wasn't a case of “David vs. Goliath,” but rather “God-focus vs. Giant-focus.” Where we place a premium on fear, David placed a premium on God. He sees the giant, of course; it's only that he sees God more. “But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel's armies,” David's battle cry, chant for combat, and victory shout is I Samuel 17:45. This war cry communicates unequivocally that he intends to win. Failure isn't an option!

What conflict is now raging in your life? Do you have access to God's spiritual weapons? Isn't it better to have rocks in your head and focus on the battles you can't win without God than to have rocks in your mind and focus on the battles you can't win without God? Don't be like the Israelites, who forgot who had summoned them to the Promised Land. They'd seen God battle for them many times before, but they didn't believe him this time. He is particularly good in dispatching a new Goliath to call you on the phone. Why should Goliath be listened to? Isn't it more triumphant to listen to God's voice with the same ear? Follow David's lead! Seek God's guidance and attempt something new. Turn a deaf ear to Goliath's speech and widen your horizons to new possibilities. Continue to listen for God's voice; he longs to speak with you.

What are examples of spiritual growth?

• Read the Bible from beginning to end. Set aside a few minutes each day to read some Bible verses. Reading the Bible in its whole is probably possible with 365 days in a year.
• Participate actively in church services. It's not enough to just show up. You must be physically, mentally, and spiritually present.
• Make it a habit to pray every day. It's enough to say a short prayer for a few minutes each day. It's something you can do every morning when you get up or before you go to bed. It will become second nature with time.
• Keeping a spiritual notebook is a good idea. It's a great place to write down your thoughts and everyday reflections. It's a great read for when you're feeling low.
• Forgiveness should be practiced. Forgiving someone who has harmed you will not only help you restore your relationships, but it will also help you grow as a person. It will also provide you with peace of mind.
• Return the favor. Donating to charity should not be limited to the Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons. Giving back should be done throughout the year. Every day, strive to be a benefit to others. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating your old clothes to the underprivileged are good places to start. (See also: 50 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Perform Today)
• Every day, have a conversation with God. Spend a few minutes every day alone with God. Tell him about the things you're grateful for today, as well as the things that are causing you concern. Communicate with him as if he were a buddy.
• Read books that will make you feel good. Inspirational literature, in addition to the bible, are a terrific method to find spiritual contentment.

What is a spiritual person in the Bible?

We can deduce from this that to be a spiritual person means to be a person who lives and walks, that is, acts and does things, in accordance with the Spirit in our spirit. We could talk and ponder about God, but our dead spirit couldn't do anything. Order a free study Bible to assist you in comprehending God's Word.

How do you grow as a spiritual person?

When trying to put all eight aspects of wellness together, the spiritual aspect of wellness can be the most individualized piece of the puzzle. People, on the whole, like to live lives that have meaning and purpose. When these objectives are attained, it brings peace into one's life and the lives of those around them.

So, what are some things you may do to increase your spiritual well-being? It's best to experiment with several ways to see what works best for you. Spiritual wellbeing can be reached in a variety of ways, both physically and intellectually, because it involves one's values, beliefs, and purpose.

1. Examine your spiritual foundation. You are merely asking yourself questions about who you are and what you mean when you explore your spiritual essence. Consider the following question: “Who am I?” What is the point of my existence? What am I most passionate about? These questions will lead you down a path where you will think more deeply about yourself and recognize aspects of yourself that will assist you in achieving fulfillment.

2. Search for hidden meanings. Looking for deeper meanings and examining patterns in your life will help you realize that you have power over your future. Knowing this can help you live a happier and healthier life.

3. Get it off your chest. It will be easier to retain a concentrated mind if you express what is on your mind. You may feel befuddled and unable to make sense of your feelings after a long day or an important event. You may be able to think more clearly and move forward if you write down your thoughts.

4. Give yoga a shot. Yoga is a physical discipline that can help you achieve spiritual wellness by eliminating mental and physical stress. Yoga is taught at all levels and can help relieve anxiety, sadness, weariness, and sleeplessness as well as reducing stress, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood pressure.

5. Take a trip. Yes, it is correct! Taking time for yourself to travel to a familiar location or to a new location can do wonders for your mental health. You will have a greater connection with yourself when your mind is able to block out distractions and assist you in reflecting and resting. This allows you to eliminate stressors and retrain your mind to focus on total wellness. Exercising, visiting with a counselor or advisor, meditation, or taking a temporary vow of silence are all activities that can be done while on a trip.

6. Keep an optimistic attitude. You will find yourself thinking differently and shifting your mind to a happy, healthy place once you begin to view things in your life in a good light. You'll discover that you're more comfortable when you eliminate negativity and re-frame how you think about specific things and situations.

7. Set aside some time to meditate. While managing your time and everyday tasks can be difficult, it is critical to make time for yourself. Take five to ten minutes each day to meditate, whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or right before bedtime. By incorporating meditation and relaxation into your daily routine, you will be able to clear your mind and strengthen your connection to your spiritual well-being.

Source: http://student-affairs.illinoisstate.edu/health-promotion-and-wellness/7-ways-improve-spiritual-wellness/

What does it mean to face your giants?

Today, we encounter giants in the same way that David faced Goliath in the Bible, but do we face them with the same unwavering courage as David did?

We do it occasionally and don't do it other times. A+ “A “giant” is a situation of hardship that has gotten out of hand, making it impossible to address. So, who are some of the current giants that we must contend with? Financial difficulties, marital issues, fear, incarceration, illnesses, diseases, low grades, terrible attitudes, drugs, alcoholism, rebellious children, workplace problems, racism, prejudice, jealousy, and envy are just a few of the giants.

When one or more of these giants begin to wreck our lives, causing us to toss and turn all night, cry, or want to give up, we must face them with unwavering courage, just as David did, trusting in God to see us through. When David went up against Goliath, the Philistine, the giant protested, saying, “Come here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals” (1 Samuel 17:44 NIV). In response to this colossus, David stated confidently and with steadfast faith, “…You come at me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come at you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel's armies, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV).

One thing about a giant is that they have a lot of energy “It “pushes its weight around” and is tenacious. If you know and believe that God is on your side, you must confront your Goliath head-on. In these two verses, this viewpoint is well established. “The Philistine then declared, “This day I defy Israel's army!” Give me a man and we'll battle it out.” (1 Samuel 17:10 New International Version). “Every morning and evening for forty days, the Philistine came forward and took his stand.” (1 Samuel 17:45 in the New International Version).

When you're up against a giant, you can't let your guard down because your foe will be waiting to pounce. David had no fear in fighting this behemoth because he knew the struggle was the Lord's, not his. With a slingshot and five stones, he took on this massive foe. If you're looking for inspiration to face your giant, read 1 Samuel 17.

When confronted with a behemoth, it's natural to react in ways that exacerbate the issue. So, how can you get rid of a colossus? I strongly advise you to do the following: First and foremost, you must understand the giant's goal, which is to destroy. Don't flee from your colossus; confront it. Negotiating with your colossus will only make things worse “Pour more fuel on the flames.” Make a strategy, and the first stage in that strategy should be prayer. Don't give up. Take caution while following the advise of others “well-intentioned voices.” Believe in God's unlimited wisdom. Finally, keep in mind that God, not you, is in command of the struggle.

Consider the lesson in this story from the Better Life Coaching Blog the next time a giant throws his weight at you “Overcoming Obstacles: A Story of Taking the First Step Toward Greatness.”

“Two students were asked to meet their teacher at the beginning of a wooded trail. He told them to continue the course all the way to the end in preparation for a test later that week. The path had two sides: one was clear and smooth, while the other was littered with fallen logs and other impediments.

“One kid elected to sprint around the obstacles and take the shortest route to the finish line. He thought he was cunning as he snuck through without being seen. The second student decided to take on the challenges head on, overcoming each one. The student who took the simple route came in first and was pleased with himself. He thought to himself, ‘I'm pleased I chose to avoid the boulders and logs; they were merely there to slow me down.'

“The second student arrived to the finish line exhausted and remorseful of his decision. The teacher smiled and nodded at each of them. He demanded that they meet him in three days at a certain spot. When they arrived, they discovered a ravine that was only a few meters wide. When the students turned to face their teacher, he said only one word. ‘Jump!'

“The first student's heart sunk as he gazed into the horizon. The teacher gave him a serious look. ‘What's the matter?' This is the first step toward greatness. Everything you've done up to this point should have prepared you for this.' The pupil shrugged his shoulders and went away, knowing full well that he had not fully prepared himself for greatness.

“The second student gave a timid smile to the teacher. He realized now that the stumbling blocks he'd encountered were all part of his plan. He realized that if he chose to overcome obstacles rather than avoid them, he would be ready to take the risk. He took his time warming up, sprinting towards the ravine and leaping into the air. He was the one who made it!

“If you want to succeed, you must first realize that life is supposed to be a series of trials that we must overcome rather than avoid. Messiness, unpleasant talks, hard effort, discipline, and behaving bravely even when you don't feel like it are all part of the package.

Don't ask God to take away your challenges; instead, ask him to give you the strength to conquer them. Then take the plunge!”

What happens when you have a spiritual awakening?

As Kaiser argues, this is the start of your spiritual journey, as you begin to doubt everything you previously believed. You begin to purge certain aspects of your life (habits, relationships, and outdated belief systems) in order to make room for new, more meaningful experiences. You may sense that something is lacking, but you aren't sure what it is. It's common to feel disoriented, confused, and down during this time.

What are the stages of spiritual growth?

There are four factors to keep in mind when addressing the dynamic of the spiritual life, according to a recent webinar on the Stages of Spiritual Growth and Freedom. She connected these ideas to one's personal growth, as well as how spiritual direction might help with this.

The Definition of the Human Person

Victoria led guests through a synthesis of Catholic teachings on the human person, beginning with an introduction to anthropology anchored on Scripture and Church Tradition. “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness,” says Genesis 1:26. Man is created “Imago Dei,” in the image and likeness of God. The fact that we were made in the image and likeness of God, who is a communion of people in the Holy Trinity, is the foundation of our fundamental dignity as human beings. We are earthy creatures (i.e., we have a physical body) with a spiritual nature, implying that we were created for something more than this life. Indeed, we were created for someone greater than this life, God himself. We were made to have relationships with God and our fellow humans.

Dynamism of Holiness

In light of this anthropology, Victoria described how attaining divine beatitude, or eternal existence with God in paradise, fulfills our dignity as human beings. We are on a dynamic, though gradual, path toward relationship with God as we go through life. Victoria described how the people of the Old Testament, as well as many figures from the Gospels, experienced the journey to God in stages, based on the Scriptures. God gradually exposes himself to the people of Israel throughout redemption history, and finally fully in the Incarnation of his Son, Jesus Christ. God exposes himself to us in prayer and in our response to his grace using the same approach. Our journey to holiness is a long one, made possible solely by God's grace.

Spiritual Growth and Progression

The purgative stage, the illuminative stage, and the unitive stage are the three stages of development that make up this steady expansion. While not entirely linear, these stages tend to reflect the stages of human development: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In the purgative stage, a person goes through his or her initial conversion and reacts to grace by turning away from sin and pursuing virtue. A condition of remembrance is included in the illuminative stage. In fact, “recollection,” or “continuous attention of the mind and emotions of the heart to thoughts and sentiments that elevate the soul to God,” is “the primary virtue of this state.” At this point, one begins to adopt Jesus Christ's thoughts and heart. Finally, the unitive stage is characterized by a person's experience of oneness with God through love, as well as the real experience and exercise of that love. Here, prayer takes on a more meditative tone, while virtue takes on a more mature, even heroic quality. St. Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life for another prisoner during the Holocaust, is an example of this stage. He did so with heroism, courage, and peace, as well as humility and humility, demonstrating a high level of holiness and spiritual development.

The Role and Application of Spiritual Direction

A spiritual director can be beneficial and perhaps necessary at each of these levels to support one's spiritual progress. A director can be a source of inspiration in the purgative stage, encouraging the directee to take active steps away from sin and toward virtue. A director can assist you in seeing and identifying God's hand in your life during the illuminative period. Finally, at the unitive stage, the director can assist the directee in identifying growth nuances and staying on track.

Spiritual direction is an invaluable gift in the growth of one's spiritual life. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a spiritual director, the Spiritual Direction Certificate Program provides a combination of theological and human sciences as they apply to spiritual direction, as well as acquiring the art and skills of human interactions and supervision. Six online seminars, two four-day onsite residencies, and a practicum are included in the curriculum.

How do I know if I am a spiritual person?

Speaking ill of others or spreading gossip about them provides no comfort or security to a spiritual person. A healthy mind is one that does not speak evil of others. Spiritual individuals keep their heads down and concentrate on their own journey, embracing others for who they are. They do not pass judgment or criticism on other people's life experiences. When spiritual people don't have anything good to say about others, they don't say anything at all. They halt bad conversations by either refusing to engage or retrieving.

How does a spiritual person behave?

Being spiritual entails prioritizing self- and other-love as a top priority. Spiritual individuals are concerned about people, animals, and the environment. A spiritual person recognizes that we are all One and makes conscious efforts to honor that unity. A spiritual person is kind.