Defeating Your Financial Giants
When I was young, finances intimidated me. They seemed too complex, too overwhelming. I worried about money before I even had my first job. My “plan,” if you could call it that, was simple: marry someone who could handle the money side of life so I wouldn’t have to.
But the Lord had other plans.
Over time, as I began to learn about financial literacy, something started to shift. What once felt confusing started to become clear. As I studied and applied biblical principles of finance, I began to not just build knowledge, but confidence and peace.
Sometimes in our financial journeys, there are days that feel like battles. Maybe you’ve felt that too. Whether it’s a mountain of credit card debt, the intimidating world of investing, or simply figuring out how to budget when income feels tight, money can easily become a source of anxiety.
Sometimes it feels like we’re standing in front of a giant.
Facing the Giant
In 1 Samuel 17, we meet Goliath. He is a literal giant who terrified the Israelite army. Day after day, he mocked them, challenging someone to come fight him. And day after day, no one did. Until David stepped onto the battlefield.
David wasn’t the obvious choice. He wasn’t trained as a soldier; he was a small shepherd boy. But he was spiritually prepared. He trusted the Lord would deliver him. When he came to the battlefield, he brought a sling and five stones.
It only took one stone to bring the giant down. But David picked up five.
That detail stands out to me because he prepared himself for more than just one shot. He came equipped not just with faith, but with wisdom. And I believe we can do the same when facing our own financial giants.
Let’s look at five “stones” you can carry with you as you walk into your financial battles.
1. Acknowledge That God Owns It All
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1
Everything we have is ultimately God’s. Our money, our time, our talents, all of it belongs to Him. This mindset changes how we manage our finances. We shift from the pressure of being owners to being stewards. And a faithful steward manages God’s resources with purpose, integrity, and trust.
When fear tries to creep in, remind yourself: This isn’t mine to carry alone
2. Live Within Your Means
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5. Living within your means doesn’t mean living in lack, it means living in wisdom. It’s about choosing contentment over comparison, planning instead of reacting, and saying “no” to some things so you can say “yes” to better things.
This is how we avoid the trap of overspending and stay on the path God is calling us to walk. When you intentionally live within the guardrails of your budget, you begin to take practical steps in stewardship.
3. Avoid the Use of Debt
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7. Strong language represents the bondage we tend to feel when we’ve taken on debt. It’s easier to put things on payment plans or use debt to try to “get ahead”. But more often than not, it creates a sink hole in our financial picture. When we consistently owe our incoming paychecks to others, it can feel like drowning. That also reflects how peaceful financial freedom feels when kept away from debt. When possible, avoid it. If you’re already carrying debt, know this: God is a redeemer, even in finances. Step by step you can break free.
4. Save and Invest Wisely
Proverbs 21:20 says “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Saving isn’t about hoarding, it’s about preparing. Emergencies happen. Opportunities arise. Retirement will come. Saving and investing wisely is part of good stewardship. It positions you to say “yes” to God’s call without being held back. Focus on intentionality and consistency.
5. Give with a Generous Heart
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” God’s economy works differently than the world’s. In His Kingdom, giving doesn’t decrease what you have, it multiplies it.
Giving reminds us that we trust God as our provider. It softens our hearts and blesses others. Whether it’s tithing, supporting missions or a nonprofit, or helping a friend in need, generosity is one of the most powerful tools in your financial journey.
The Giant Can Fall
David didn’t defeat Goliath with size or strategy. He defeated him with faith, obedience, and a few simple tools.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. But with the right mindset and the right principles (your five stones) you can walk confidently toward your financial Goliath and watch it fall.
Take a deep breath. Pick up your stones. God is with you.
Bible Verses for Reflection
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her food in summer and gathers her provision in harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
“Then David took his shepherd’s staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath.” 1 Samuel 17:40