But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak…” – Numbers 13:28

This was the report that the 12 Israelite spies brought back after they explored the Promised Land—a land of milk and honey and … giants. Since moving to Indonesia six months ago, I have encountered some giants of my own in this new land. My giants’ names are Driving, Shopping, Cooking, and Language Learning. Things I did with ease in America have suddenly become what I struggle with the most.

Numbers 14:9 continues on with the story as two of the spies say this about the giants: “…and do not be afraid of the people of the land… the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

This encourages me as one by one I fight my giants.

BAM! One giant down. I’ve learned how to drive a scooter, though this mom misses buckling her kids safely into the back seat. Now they put on a helmet and hang on tight!
POW! Now that I can drive, I am able to get around to the different shops! (Not sure if my husband Chris likes this part, since I don’t stick to the list.)
WHAMO! Better shopping makes for easier cooking. I am able to find most ingredients and enjoy having a neighbor come over so we can swap recipes. She loves trying Mexican meals, and I am learning some Indonesian dishes.

Some of my giants have been slayed, but the giant named Language Learning keeps lifting his ugly head to shout discouraging things at me. Sometimes I still listen, but more often now I look back and see how far God has brought me.

I continue to study each day, so I can build relationships and share about Jesus. Learning a new language keeps me weak, dependent, and in fertile soil for growing. When I am weak He is strong.

So, what giants are you fighting? Remember, “…the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”