The Privileged Life: Standing Among Giants

”There we saw the giants…and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:33)

My husband, Mark, is almost a giant—he’s 6’6” tall. Someone once called him “freakishly tall,” and the description stuck.

Being tall is, for the most part, a nice attribute for him because people are always looking up to him! But, it’s difficult for him to travel by air. He has to hunker down inside most airplanes and needs extra legroom…otherwise, his knees are in his face.

I’m 15” shorter than he is—getting photos taken together is a challenge. And Mark is always having to bend over to talk with other people…except for his golf buddies, Chuck and Phil, who happen to be giants, too.

These days, though, when you hear about facing your giants, you think of the Goliath types—the big, overwhelming, threatening problems you have to overcome in order to achieve your goals. Those giants are scary.

But what about the admirable ones, like my beloved?* What about “giants” you encounter in everyday life, people who stand head and shoulders above everyone else?

I am blessed to have a circle of friends whom I consider to be “giants in faith”—men and women whose spiritual life and insights are inspiring to me. They are the ones I go to when I want to grow in my own walk, when I need prayer, and when I feel helpless and need encouragement.

These are friends, colleagues, and mentors who may not even consider themselves to be giants. But in my view, I’m a mere grasshopper in their presence.

What does it take to be a giant? When you’re looking for one to befriend, what attributes should you seek?

Most true giants are truly humble. They share the very humility that Christ showed in coming to our earth, denying Himself for the sake of His people here. They are amazed that you would find them noble and worth following.

Giants in the faith are always growing. Those who have a significant depth of wisdom are constantly studying Scripture as well as the words of solid theologians, because they want to grow closer to God. It is one of their greatest goals and joys.

They lead others by example. You won’t find a giant simply sitting at home and watching TV. True giants are involved in kingdom work, ministering to others, sacrificing time and resources to reach the lost and be Jesus to them.

They are prayer warriors. Giants in the faith have reached their stature because of the time they’ve spent on their knees. They commit themselves to spend time in the presence of God because they love Him and want to talk with Him. They consider it a privilege to lift up others to Him.

Friend, can you look at this list and recognize someone who has these qualities? If so, you are blessed to know them…make a special effort to spend time with them.

But what if you live where you don’t have any giants around you? For some of you, being a Christian is a lonely experience in terms of fellowship. I sincerely hope you can find a church or gathering with a few Christian giants who will encourage you in your walk.

This year, make an effort to seek solid leaders in the faith. See if they measure up to any of the qualities listed above, and learn from their words and examples. Look first to your pastor and other elders in your church.

And go online to “follow” writers from the past and present. I love to read books and messages by writers such as C.S. Lewis, Franklin Graham, C.H. Spurgeon, Stormie O’Martian, Tim Keller, Anne Graham Lotz, and so many others whose words have resonated with me.

I hope you can spend time with “giant” friends and family who will inspire you by letting you stand in their shadow for a while. None of them are perfect, but these loved ones are giants because they stand in the presence of their Creator, awed by His great power and wisdom.

Remember, too, that you are always surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”…those who have gone before us on this journey with Jesus. Run the race with perseverance, building on their examples.

Look around…you may be standing among giants even as you read this. And, of course, Jesus Christ is the greatest “giant” in the universe. Seek Him first!

O Mighty Lord, what a joy to stand beside You, in Your presence! You have blessed us all with so many “giants” of the faith as examples to follow. Help us to seek You in their witness and to grow in our journey. Lead us onward, Jesus, to be more like You. In Your name, Amen.

*My husband, Mark, is not only tall, but he is the greatest “spiritual giant” in my life! I respect and honor his wisdom, godly leadership, and sacrificial love over the past three decades of our lives together!

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