Facing Pharaohs and Goliaths

Facing Pharaohs and Goliaths                                   By Guy Cohen

In our lifetime, we often face “Pharaohs” and “Goliaths” – obstacles that seek to intimidate us, fill us with fear, doubt, and unbelief.

Yet, Scripture reminds us that just as in the days of old, it is not our strength, but God’s presence in us that secures the victory.

The Passover story presents one of the most powerful examples of this truth. We see Moses, once a stuttering shepherd in exile, boldly standing with his brother Aaron before Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, revered as a god by his subjects. It seems almost unimaginable – the least standing before the greatest.

What gave Moses the confidence to confront such authority?

Moses had a divine encounter before the burning bush in Midian. That moment with God changed everything. It wasn’t self-confidence that empowered Moses, it was God’s presence and calling on his life. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Moses embodied this truth. Despite the miracles God performed through him, Scripture describes Moses in Numbers 12:3 as “very meek, more than all the men upon the face of the earth.”

This shows us something profound.

When we have a true encounter with God, when He dwells within us, there is no authority or obstacle on earth that can stand against His calling over our lives. Moses was called to set his people free, to lead a nation of slaves into becoming a Torah nation. And through signs, wonders, and the power of God, he did just that. Earthly power was no match for divine purpose.

We see the same fearless faith in David, who faced Goliath while others stood paralyzed by fear. Though young and seemingly insignificant, David lived in the conscious reality of the power of God. His faith was enough to bring down a giant and deliver a nation.

The springtime celebration of Passover reminds me of a verse from Song of Songs 2:12, “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” In Hebrew, it’s written as “the buds are seen on the earth,” marking the beginning of renewal. Spring reminds us that new life emerges even after the darkest winters. In the same way, we must remember that the “spring” is within us. Yeshua, the Messiah, is the one who causes our hearts to blossom. Whatever darkness or giants we face, the One who dwells in us is greater than the one who is in the world. In Him, all things are possible.

We are called to walk by faith like our role models in Hebrews 11. No matter the Goliaths or Pharaohs in our path, our trust is in the One who leads us from bondage to freedom, from winter to spring, from fear to victory.