Defeating Giants

Children's Ministry Object lesson

I usually use this object lesson after telling the story of David and Goliath as recorded in 1 Samuel 17.

Summarize the story by saying "David was able to overcome the Giant because he realized that God was on his side. If you are trusting in Jesus, then God is also on your side and will help you defeat any Giants in your life." A Giant is any problem you have, which seems too big for you.

Give a list of possible "Giants." e.g. Other People - Bullies etc. Bad habits - Lying, stealing, swearing, fighting etc. Fears - The dark, nightmares, dying, flying, spiders, snakes, dogs, etc. 

Produce two prepared "curved shapes" as shown above. These can be made of cardboard or paper and cut to any suitable size. It is more effective to use different colors. You will note that the cards are actually the same size, but if one is held above the other it will appear to be smaller. 

On the first card, write the word "Giant" On the second card, write the word *Me" on one side and "Me + God" on the other side.

Hold Card 2, showing "Me" above Card 1, showing "Giant." 

Say, "If you compare yourself with your Giant, the Giant will always appear to be bigger, and you will think that you won't be able to defeat it." (Pull the cards apart, and turn card 2 over to show " Me + God".)

Say, "Remember that if you are trusting in Jesus, it is not just you against the Giant, but you plus God against it." (Bring the cards back together again, but this time hold Card 2 below Card 1.)

Say, "No matter how big your Giant is, when you compare it to God, you will always find that God is far bigger, and that He is able to help you defeat it - just like David defeated Goliath."

I usually conclude by repeating the "changing cards" process to emphasize the point.

Copyright 2003 Maurice Sweetsur
mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz

This object lesson would coordinate well with Super Heroes of the Bible.

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