Facing Your Giants: God Still Does the Impossible

by Max Lucado

You know your Goliath. You recognize his walk, the thunder of his voice.He taunts you with bills you can't pay, people you can't please, habits you can't break, failures you can't forget, and a future you can't face. But just like David, you can face your giant, even if you aren't the strongest, the smartest, the best equipped, of the holiest.David. You could read his story and wonder what God saw in him. His life has little to offer the unstained, straight-A saint. He fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. But for those who know the sound of Goliath, David gives this on giants -- you stumble; focus on God -- your giants tumble.If you're ready to face your giants, let his story inspire you. The same God who helped him will help you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

233 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Kymberly]

That our Giants aren't always people. Actually I am finding most of time they never are. The greatest thing is that I have learned to tell my giants that my God is SOOOOOOOOOO much BIGGER than they are. He will always win!! Always!!!

[Doris]

Jerry recommended this book to me and I am forever grateful.

This book took me many weeks to read as God was working on me with each section I read. Much of this book was read at the gym while sitting at the pool watching my kids swim/play or in the jacuzzi, relaxing after a tough workout.

As God moved greatly in me, I began to see what I understood about David was a bit off. The Psalms were often to written out of fun, glorious, happy times, but out of despair, heartache, gut wrenching times where David chose to praise God instead of complain, have self-pity.

I'm at that very dark point of my life that these giants in my life seem insurmountable, but this book helped opened my eyes to keep seeking God, to keep my eyes on Him to meet me exactly where I am at.

Lucado did an excellent job here and it spoke greatly to me.

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not necessarily intended as a daily devotional, but that’s how I chose to read it: slowly, over a long period of time. As someone who frequently battles with the giants of anxiety, frustration, and recently, grief, this was just the book I needed at the time I needed it. (Note: I didn’t even pick it out for myself: My mom gifted it to me on Easter.) I love Max Lucado’s conversational writing style and how he infuses humor throughout, but also knows when to be serious.

I only took a star off because I wish Mr. Lucado would have stuck with only one or two translations of the Bible rather than using a whole bunch of them. I’ve never understood the need for that, and he also frequently used one particular translation I personally have never cared for or used for reasons I won’t go into here. However, I don’t recall ever feeling that he took any of the verses out of context or mistranslated them, so that was good.

Overall, this book was a blessing to me at this time of my life and I recommend it to anyone who needs help learning how to face and defeat his or her own “giants”.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was going through a rough time in my life, and I have to say it really helped me through it. It helped me see that I wasn't alone in my fight and I could face my giants along with God's help, just like Goliath. Lucado puts the book into terms anyone could understand and appreciate. Giants are hardly ever people, most of the time it is something we are struggling with. Max Lucado's book is very helpful and helped bring me to over come my struggles and face my giants.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at the story of King David, and what it means to us today.

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 shiny stars rating from me ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨🕊️

" I'm calling on the God of David
Who made a shepherd boy courageous
I may not face Goliath
But I've got my own giants."
Verse from one of my favorite songs by Brandon Lake 🎶🎶

This is a tremendous, beautiful book and I absolutely loved every minute I spent reading it! This will be a short review because I am experiencing vertigo caused by one of my medications, but I hope it does this book the justice it deserves. Max Lucacdo has thoroughly researched every aspect of this book and it's beautifully written. He gives easy and practical advice for facing and taking down your Goliath. He refers mostly to the Biblical story of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel. In his easy to enjoy and quick wit, he explained everything clearly.

We all have Goliaths in our lives. We can't escape them, but God helps us find them, deal with them and take them down. It's a process that won't happen overnight. It takes time. You know your Goliath. Your giant doesn't have to be a person. It could be fear, anxiety, depression, worry, or a person you cannot please, or a career you cannot escape. It could be a past you you cannot shake, or a future cannot face. " It's your first thought in the morning, your last worry at night - your Goliath dominates your day and infiltrates your joy. " It robs you of sleep and strength and you're worn down by it. Please let me offer you Max's advice:

"Focus on giants ---- you stumble.
" Focus on God. ----- your giants tumble."

David collected five round stones to take down Goliath. He only needed one. We need five:
"1. The stone of the past.
2. The stone of prayer
3. The stone of priority.
4. The stone of passion.
5. The stone of persistence."
You're not alone, God is right there helping you, even if you don't feel Him. He's there!!

" You'll never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have."

I love all of his amazing books and this one really hit home. I very highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫 ✨ 🙏🕊️

[Mody Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

يقدر الإعتذار أن ينزع فتيل النزاعات, ويقدر الأسف أن يلغى السخط. تقدر أغصان الزيتون على عمل أشياء أكثر مما تعمله فئوس الحروب.
"وَاللِّسَانُ اللَّيِّنُ يَكْسِرُ الْعَظْمَ"

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the chance to read "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado published by Thomas Nelson. I have read that Max Lucado is called America's Pastor and after reading this book I can understand why.

"Facing Your Giants" is not just about the story of how David defeated Goliath, though that is what one of the chapters is about. "Facing Your Giants" is about the life of David from the moment he entered into battle with Goliath until moments before his death and how he faced the challenges that came before him. What Pastor Lucado brings to life is that those same challenges face us today and we can use David as our example and win over these challenges just the way David did.

The chapters deal with desperation, raging bosses, dry season, disappointments and dashed hopes. Through it all there is God who gives the strength and wisdom to overcome no matter what the challenge of the giant is. There are nineteen chapters and each chapter deals with a specific challenge that David had to deal with in his life and, at some point, we will have to deal with them as well.

If we focus on the giants, we stumble if we focus on God, the giants tumble. Whatever we focus our attention on looms large in our eyes. With Max Lucado's book we can focus our attention on the God who is bigger than all things and everything is beneath His feet.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Allison Tebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Lucado’s books and this was no exception. Facing Your Giants was practical, helpful and inspiring. The layman’s approach that is full of plain speech and God-glorifying instruction.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and timely book. If you think you know the story of David's life, guess again. Several times Max Lucado used stories I'd forgotten, never knew, or never noticed before to bring home excellent points. Highly recommend.

Original review posted 8/27/24.

I'd rate this a PG.

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Max Lucado books, but "Facing your Giants" was especially brilliant! This book is probably the best - and my personal favorite - of all the books written about King David, his high's, his low's, his weaknesses, his strengths. I was captivated with each page!! I loved when Lucado reenacted scenes from the Bible in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. He makes this timely story into one that connects with every day life. Lucado is very funny and witty in the way he explained King David's story into real-life terms (like asking if an ephod is sold in department stores, David has God's number on his speed dial, and God dispatched Samuel on a Red Eye to Minnesota... as just examples). Each chapter, Lucado encourages the reader to fix their eyes on Christ and not on the Giants. Whenever David honored the Lord in the fight, he got the victory! I felt like I knew the "King David saga" inside and out, but after reading this book, I gained new insight into David's life and the challenges he faced. I didn't even think about Mephiboseth's role, but Lucado dedicated an entire chapter on David's adopted son! Lucado talked about how to stay humble, how to call on God and how to defeat your personal Giants. I loved when Lucado said that David's greatest failure was not making his family a priority. The last chapter is about Jesus Christ as being called "Son of David." My copy of the book had a study guide for an extra review. I cannot say enough good things about this book - I definitely recommend!!

[Lisa Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Lucado is one of the most popular Christian writers out there. You can't fault a thing he says. To me, though, he is somewhat like a John Grisham. John Grisham is super popular, but his writing is elementary. People go crazy over him, yet I'm confused as many of the other more skilled writers get neglected. I feel the same way here, and yet probably many people are reached by his writing. So that's fine -- all good points here, but I prefer a more scholarly pursuit.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focus on giants—you stumble.
Focus on God—your giants tumble

In this book Max Lucado teaches us through David's life how to conquer your personal fears...

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth study of King David's life and journey.
Great in insight into how would should emulate him and also how we should definitely NOT. ;)

-My one and only complaint would be that for some of the referance verses, The author uses The message "bible"*shudders*. I understand why he used it in some cases. (It gives a more modern take on the verse, giving it a more personalized image for the reader if you will.), but just because I understand it...doesn't mean I have to like it. ;P


HIGHLIGHTS/NOTES


- page 37
"The giant-killer rediscovers courage. Yes, he has a price on his head. Yes, he has no place to lay his head, but somehow he keeps his head."

- page 38
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings, I will make my refuge."

– page 39
10.16% " Soon (David's) brothers and other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming -men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented-until David was the leader of about four hundred men."
**King David and his Merry Men** XD"

– page 40
"You'll never know that Jesus is all you need until he is all you have."

– page 41
"Vengeance fixes your attention at life's ugliest moments."
"Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."

– page 47
"What he did was unthinkable, unacceptable, inexcusable, but I'm not finished yet."
Your enemies still figure into God's plan. Their pulse is proof:
God hasn't given up on them. They may be out of God's will, but not out of his reach. you honor God when you see them, not as his failures, but as his projects."

– page 49
"Forgiveness... is choosing to see your offender with different eyes.""

– page 61
"Inquired of the Lord."

– page 62
"Hiding out with the enemy brings only temporary relief."

– page 66
"...be quick to pray. Stop talking to yourself. Talk to Christ..."

– page 66
"God who is never downcast, never tires of your down days... Next time you lack the will to go on, seek healthy counsel. You won't want to. Slumping people love slumping people. Hurting people hang with hurting people. We love those who commiserate & avoid those who correct. Yet correction & direction are what we need."

– page 67
"Take a long look at the shore that awaits you. Don't be fooled by the fog of the slump. The finish line may be only strokes away."

– page 71
"Support systems don't always support. Friends aren't always friendly. Pastors can wander off base & churches get out of touch. When no one can help, we have to do what David does here.
He turns toward God."

– page 74
"Brook Besor: It's okay to rest
"Jesus fights when you cannot."

– page 79
"Jesus wept. Peter wept. The Ephesians wept on the neck of the Apostle whose face they were never to see again. Christ stands by each mourner, saying, "Weep, my child; weep, for I have wept."...
-F.B. Meyer"

– page 83
"There is no need for you to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."

– page 90
"You have a Bible? Read it.
Others have asked your question. You aren't the first to face your problem. Others have stood where you stand & wondered what you wonder. Seek their advice. Consider the outcome of their way of life & imitate their faith."

– page 91
"You have a heart for God? Heed it."
"God will not lead you to violate His Word."

– page 99
"Nevertheless."
"David turns a deaf ear to old voices. Those mockers strutting on the wall tops? David ignores them. He dismisses their words & goes about his work. "

"Two types of thoughts continually vie for your attention...One proclaims God's strengths; the other lists your failures."

– page 100
"Why listen to mockers? Why heed their voices? Why give ear to pea-brains & scoffers when you can, with the same ear, listen to the voice of God?"

– page 102
"Turn a deaf ear to old voices. And as you do, open your eyes to new choices."

"If the wall is too tall, try a tunnel."

– page 107
"The image of a dead Uzzah sends a sobering & shuddering reminder to those of us who can attend church as often as we wish, take communion anytime we desire. The message: don't grow lax before the holy. God won't be loaded on convenient wagons or toted about by dumb animals. Don't confuse him with a genie who pops out at the rub of a lamp or a butler who appears at the ring of a bell."

– page 110
"▪God's present is his presence.
▪God loves you too much to leave you alone, so he hasn't.
▪No awe of God leads to the death of man."

– page 117
"▪Promises. Pledged amidst spring flowers. Cashed in February greyness.
▪God sets the standard for covenant keeping."

– page 118
"▪God takes promises seriously & seals them dramatically."

– page 119
"▪Need a picture of our promise keeping God? Look at Hosea buying back his wife. Look at the smoldering pot passing between the animals. Look at the rainbow. Or look at Mephibosheth."

– page 120
"Your eternal life is covenant caused, covenant secured, & covenant based."

– page 121
"When you love the unloving, you get a glimpse of what God does for you."

– page 123
"You can climb to high for your own good.
...Your hearing dulls...your eyesight dims.
It's hard to focus on people when you are so far above them."

– page 128
"Tis' wiser to descend the mountain than to fall from it."

– page 129
"Humility doesn't mean you think less of yourself, but that you think of yourself less.
▪︎Come down from the mountain. You'll be amazed what you hear and who you see. And you'll breathe a lot easier."

– page 136
"Place the mistake before the judgment seat of God. Let Him condemn it, let Him pardon it, and put it away."

– page 144
"Your children are not your hobby; they are your calling."

– page 154
"Write today's worries in sand.
Chisel yesterday's victories in stone."

– page 155
"Peace is promised to the one who fixes thoughts & desires on The King.
1 Chronicles 16:12"

– page 156
"Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare."

– page 158
"What good has problem-pondering gotten you? You've stared so long you can number the hairs on Goliath's chest. Has it helped? No. Listing hurts won't heal them. Itemizing problems won't solve them. Categorizing rejections won't remove them. David lobotomized the giant because he emphasized the Lord."

– page 163
"He became one of us...to redeem all of us."

[Becca]

I enjoy Lucado's perspective on David. He shows how studying David's life (even beyond the story of Goliath) can teach us how to defeat our giants. I connected with Lucado's ideas -- many of them were so obviously spot on -- but I had trouble connecting to his writing style. His style is perfect for children's books, but not so great for me in books like this. I know that many people love his writing style, and it certainly is unique, but it distracts me from the point he is trying to make. I would still recommend this as a helpful source to help a person, well, face giants! It's encouraging and motivating, with real-life illustrations.

[Stephanie Shaughnessy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I thoroughly enjoy Max Lucado and his style of writing, however this book was hard to get into and even harder to stay into because of how basic and surface level the writing was. Although it was very easy to read overall it failed to captivate my attention. It might be that this book would be perfect for a certain person in certain circumstances. I got half way through the book before I realized I was forcing myself to get through it. In the end I gave up on finishing it. Noting against Lucado, I just think he's had better.

[James Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational!
I am amazed at the simple, yet profound writing style of Max Lucado. He has a way of revealing Biblical truths that are easy to read and understand. Yet, he doesn't water down those truths. In "Facing Your Giants," Lucado, of course, looks at the life of David. He gives practical advice on how you, like David, can conquer the "giants" in your life. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you, read this one.

[Janelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely love Max Lucado's children's books, this was the first one of his adult books I picked up to read. I didn't much care for it, I thought everything he said over the course of the book could have been said just as easily in 7 or 8 chapters, but it dragged on for 12 chapters. It felt like he was saying the same things over and over again repetitively.

[Matthew Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the story of David in chronological order, each chapter reading like a well prepared sermon. Lucado’s writing is clear and concise, with a great combination of history, theology, and personal touch that the reader can relate to. I plan on reading this book a second time at a much slower pace, while using the study guide in the back.

[Vianessa Peña · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leído en el momento preciso. No creo en coincidencias y este libro fue muy adecuado al tiempo que estoy viviendo.

Minucioso estudio de la vida de David, escudriñado desde tremenda perspectiva. Me gustó bastante.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that helps readers overcome their fears/giants/or whatever you want to come them by analyzing the story of David. God calls David a man after His heart, even though David failed badly with Bathsheba and his own family. Lucado explains why we fail when we focus on our giants, but will succeed if we focus on God. I was really challenge by Lucado's analysis of David's story, especially the chapters on distant diety, tough promises, and dashed hopes. I also learned a lot from the chapters on silent phones, desperate days, strongholds, thin air-ogance, and take Goliath down! Read this book to learn how to take your Goliath down, whether it's "bills you can't pay, people you can't please, habits you can't break, failures you can't forget, a future you can't face," unemployment, or anything else!

Favorite Quotes: (P. 7) One might read David's story and wonder what God saw in him. The fellow fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. He stared down Goliath, yet ogled at Bathsheba; defied God-mockers in the valley, yet joined them in the wilderness. An Eagle Scout one day. Chumming with the Mafia the next. He could lead armies but couldn't manage a family. Raging David. Weeping David. Bloodthirsty. God-hungry. Eight wives. One God.
A man after God's own heart? That God saw him as such gives hope to us all. David's life has little to offer the unstained saint. Straight-A souls find David's story disappointing. The rest of us find it reassuring. We ride the same roller coaster. We alternate between swan dives and belly flops, souffles and burnt toast.

(P. 138) The story of David and Bathsheba is less a story of lust and more a story of power. A story of a man who rose too high for his own good. A man who needed to hear these words: "Come down before you fall."

[David E.P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

reading this book...as a David myself...I figured I would have connected with David and the premise of the book easily. However, I felt as if I was being boxed in the entire time I was reading it. The answers and advice Max gives really seem to be a bit one-sided, if you ask me.

There is so much out in this Universe that we have yet to even fathom! Why make just a single reference to God as the only one having the answers and the power to allow you to conquer your giants? There is SO much more! SOOO much more! And the most simple, yet complex thing that it all boils down to...is YOU!

And YOU - have the power...just like He-Man when he raises his magic sword...and gets those fabulous powers he speaks of...

[Hany Adeeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب هو من كتب المؤلف المبدع ماكس لوكادو

تعجبني طريقته في شرح و دراسة الكتاب المقدس ، و هو يتميز بتقديم الفكرة باسلوب شيق و ممتع.. يجعل القصة و الفكرة قريبة باجراء تعديلات فنية تسلب الاهتمام

و واجه جبابرتك كتاب رائع يتحدث فيه عن قصة داود الملك... و النبي، الذي اتى من نسله حسب الجسد شخص المسيح

كل منا لديه جبابرة قد تكون مشكلات او ضيقات او صعوبات في الحياة
يمكننا التغلب عليها حين نتكل على قوة الله و نتمسك بحبه و حمايته.. لقد تعرض داود لسقطات يقدم الكتاب المقدس الصورة لانسان عظيم لكنه كان بحاجة لغفران الله

كان رجل حروب و لكنه كان غير مؤثر في تربية ابنائه، كان حين يتمسك بايمانه بالله يغلب و حين يترك الامر للجسد يقع

كان يحتاج لمخلص مثلنا..

ماكس لوكادو كاتب رائع يشجعني على قراءة المزيد من اعماله

[Rissa]

Give your problems to God and given time he will help you. He will rise you up.

I think for people struggling with waitig for Gods plans this book is annoying. Focus on God and things will work out. Its hard to do that when you have been trying to focus on God let him guide you and you get nothing but silence from him for years. So maybe if you havw little problems, fixable problems sure this book is a reminder. But for someone struggling with many illnesses that God just isnt seeming to care about. This book was nothing more than a reminder that God doesnt care about me.

[Lisa Topp · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Lenten Study Book for this year. A very thorough journey through the story of David. Good for anyone interested in facing "Giants" in their life - there are more of them than you may think - and also a good tool for more in depth study of the Bible. I'm still undecided about Max Lucado's style - he's very informal, sometimes borderline comical. There is a study guide in the back of the book that tells you which verses in the Bible to read as an accompaniment to each chapter.

[Carol Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Focus on giants—you stumble. Focus on God—your giants tumble."

Offers some good insights on keeping your eyes on God, even during your worst times. Lucado does a great job making the story of David relevant to us today.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado does such a good job of applying scripture the O.T. story of David in this case) to our daily lives. In this book he shows us good and bad decisions David made and how his relationship with God changed with his decisions.

[Sarah Boyette · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a fast read, but I was a little disappointed. It seemed like a bunch of cutesy sayings tied together in a book. It follows the life of David from his anointment to death, so that was interesting. It was okay.

[Nelson Eisenmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible analysis of the stages of David's life and the major take aways from his experiences. Very thought-provoking and inspirational!

[Ned · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narcissistic therapeutic moralistic pietism

When Goliath shows up at the head of a foreign army, representing foreign gods, full of blasphemies of the living God to challenge your king, your nation, and the one true God, creating a national crisis and exposing a nation of cowards, it is time to reflect on your "own personal giants." Such is the message and tenor of this entire book. It is not quite useless, since God's word will never return void, but I would not recommend this naval gazing, handwringing exercise in pietism to anyone. It is long past time the need for the church to become militant, and public, again.