Underdog’s Playbook – 3 – A Giant is Blocking Your View: How to See Past the Struggle

https://youtu.be/EKy6dbBw_Do?si=BkZgAWuZwZ4ydppK The Underdog’s Playbook – Strategy 3 – A Giant Is Blocking Your View: How to See Past the Struggle Underdog’s Playbook Bumper Underdog’s Playbook Title Welcome back to Redemption Church of Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt and I welcome you in the room and those who found us online. We are in the 3rd week of our message series – The Underdog’s playbook. Strategy #1 – Stuck in the shadows? Step Up. Strategy #2 – Go from Serving to Slaying. I am excited to tell you about our strategy today… but first… Problems I am used to problems… Out of milk, pick up dry cleaning New project at work Need to pick up the kids early today Time to mow the lawn Deadlines & due dates I can handle these. To do list… to done list. -a little time-a little energy and focus-use some ability But… have you ever had a giant problem Giant Problems NOT SURE I have enough… time, energy, ability to accomplish. It may be impossible… Out of your control. There was a time where 2 of our children were in 2 different hospitals…The medical professionals were unable to fix the problems. I went to sleep worried about the situation…I would wake up worried about it… It was all I could think about.It was all I could see. I was exhausted, depleted, confused, hurting… losing hope. Do we know what it feels like to face a Giant Problem? A financial problem that felt too big to overcome. A toxic workplace that made you feel stuck. Boss mad a you… unsure why. A family conflict that seemed unfixable. A health issue with no answer. When you’re in it, it’s all you can see. It blocks your vision—like a giant standing in your way. And when all you see is the problem… You feel stuck. You lose hope. You stop believing in victory. We know this feeling.If you are experiencing a GIANT PROBLEM you are not alone. You are in the right place. In 1 Samuel 17, Israel faced a Giant Problem. But then—David showed up. And David saw something different. Goliath (gālyaṯ) – Splendor, Grand, Magnificent Goliath outshined everyone.Bigger. Stronger. Deadlier.NOT AVERAGE. Not just a warrior—he was a walking wall of fear. 1 Samuel 17:4-7 (NIV) There is a textual variant (Dead Sea Scrolls) that reads a different height. 6Ft 9in still giant to me. V16 This continued for 40 days! Nobody saw a way forward.Nobody saw a solution.Nobody saw hope. All they saw was the Giant Problem. Sound familiar? Culture says: “Your problems define you.” Negativity says: “You’re stuck. There’s no way out.” Fear says: “This will never change.” But David? David saw more than a problem.He saw an opportunity. David saw past the problem and into God’s promise. 40 days everyone stares at the problem…Pointing out the obvious problem is not helpful. David drops off his picnic basket and says… Well I’ll fight him. I’ll beat him! The Underdog Strategy: How to See Past the Struggle 1. See the Promise, Not Just the Problem David didn’t just see Goliath’s size—he saw God’s power. He remembered that God had already chosen him for greatness. (Anointed King already) He remembered how God had brought him through problems in the past. (1 Samuel 17:37, NIV) “Based on my experience – God is going to see ne through.” DO THIS: Stop focusing on what’s against you—start focusing on who is for you. (Isaiah 54:17, NIV) (Romans 8:31 NIV) (1 John 4:4 KJV) 2. See Power, Not Just the Problem Saul and the Israelites focused on Goliath’s size, strength, status, weapons. David focused on God’s strength. (1 Samuel 17:45, NIV) DO THIS: Shift your focus from what the enemy has to who your God is. (Philippians 2:10, NIV) 3. Push Past Negativity & False Solutions (1 Samuel 17:28-29) (1 Samuel 17:33) (1 Samuel 17:38-39) David refused to listen to negativity and chose to move forward with what God had given him. DO THIS: Don’t let others’ doubts stop your faith. Step into who God made you to be. 4. See Possibility for Promotion The problem wasn’t just a threat—it was a gateway… AN OPPORTUNITY. David saw a future beyond the battle. He knew that victory leads to elevation. (1 Samuel 17:25, NIV) David knew: There is a crown on the other side of this giant. Do you believe there is a crown on the other side of your giant…? -A better marriage on the other side of your relationship struggle…?-A promotion on the other side of your career problem…?-New strength on the other side of your situation…?– Gained wisdom on the other side of your worry…? DO THIS: Stop seeing problems as obstacles—start seeing them as opportunities. SPOILER ALERT – David defeats Goliath.Life is never the same for David…He is known…Maidens sing about him…He gains wealth…He marries Saul’s daughter…He defeated the problem and received promotion.  Let’s talk about you. Some of you are stuck in your problems right now. You feel like Saul’s army—terrified and unsure. You’ve listened to the negativity of others. You’ve forgotten the promises of God. But today, you can choose to see past the GIANT PROBLEM. Jesus Has already defeated your Giant Problem We could not defeat…-Death-Sin, sorrow -Sickness-Our failures-Fear-Anger But then Jesus stepped on to the battlefield… …Jesus faced our GIANT and He won. Will you focus on the problem, or will you trust His promise?  Will you keep fighting alone, or will you step into His victory? Here’s how: THREE CALLS TO ACTION Repeat God’s Promise over your life This week: Start your day by reading one promise of God and declaring it over your life. Pick Up a Reminder Card 2. Reject Negativity & False Armor David rejected Saul’s armor. You need to reject what doesn’t fit God’s plan for you. This week: Identify one negative voice or influence that’s holding you back—and let it go. 3. Step Toward the Battle (1 Samuel 17:48) Jesus stepped toward the cross—because they saw victory beyond it. NOW: Take one bold step toward Jesus, by praying & worshipping.