In this talk, Louie Giglio encourages us that we will stand in any circumstance when our hearts are filled with the Spirit and the Word.
Key Takeaway
God, through Jesus, has enabled you to stand on the heights and slopes of every season. Do not let the scheme of the enemy rob you of the plan and purpose that God has for you.
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to tread on the heights." – Habakkuk 3:19
No matter the circumstance, God will enable you to walk on the high places.
Understand the imagery—this isn't about a fragile fawn, but the Ibex, a strong mountain goat known for its ability to scale rugged terrain and balance on narrow ledges without falling. These animals are incredibly sure-footed on steep slopes and rocky cliffs. In every season of life, God calls us to walk and climb with that same confidence.
The ibex thrives where others would fall. It has cloven hooves—split hooves—with a hard outer layer for protection and a soft, flexible inner part that creates grip, almost like suction, on uneven surfaces. Whether the ledge is wide or narrow, it can stand. That’s the kind of footing God gives us: firm and adaptable. And just like the ibex, you’ll still be standing through every season—not by your own strength, but through the power of Jesus.
What does having "feet like a deer" mean for us?
Look at Ephesians 6. Paul teaches us how to stand firm in spiritual battle, reminding us that the Spirit of God and the Word of God give us spiritual footing—like the ibex’s hooves—to stand steady.
Ephesians 6:14–17 gives us the blueprint to stand firm:
Belt of truth – Anchor your life in God’s truth.
Breastplate of righteousness – Let Christ’s righteousness guard your heart.
Shield of faith – Trust in the power of God's Word and Spirit.
Helmet of salvation – Protect your mind with the assurance of your salvation.
Feet fitted with the gospel of peace – Be ready to move with God in confidence and peace.
Sword of the Spirit – Stand on His Word.
Prayer – Stay connected with God constantly.
The Enemy Has a Plan—But So Does God
God has a purpose for your life, and the Enemy will try to derail it. If he can get you to doubt God or turn away from Him, you may miss the potential God wants to fulfill in you. But if you understand the Enemy’s schemes, you can resist them and walk in victory.
Here are four common strategies the Enemy uses:
1. Pride
Success can lead you to rely on yourself instead of God. But self-dependence is a counterfeit. In 1 Corinthians 10:12–13, Paul warns us of this. Be excellent in what you do—but arrive at the top with humility. Don’t forsake time with God or community with other believers.
2. Fear
The Enemy wants you to believe that your calling is too big or the obstacles to are are far too great. That fear leads us to settle, shrink back, or quit. In Numbers 13, only two of the twelve spies believed God despite the giants in the land. If you struggle with fear, Psalm 18:28–36 is a powerful passage to memorize—it helps activate both Spirit and Word in your life.
3. Bitterness
Pain and loss can be twisted into doubt. The Enemy uses hardship to erode your trust in God’s goodness—just like Job’s wife telling him to curse God and die. But we must remember that God is good, even in suffering. He gave His Son for us—His grace is proof of His love.
4. Religion
The Enemy whispers that you have to earn God’s favor—but that’s a lie. Jesus already did it all. Put on the breastplate of righteousness and stop striving. God’s grace cannot be earned; it’s a gift.
God has a dream for your life.
He’s not intimidated by the Enemy’s schemes—and you don’t have to be either. You were made to stand and scale the high places with Him. Walk in the Spirit. Stand on the Word. Through Christ, you will not fall.
Discussion Questions
Habakkuk 3:19 says God makes our feet like a deer’s. Can you identify a “high place” or challenge in your life where God helped you stand firm?
What qualities (like the ibex’s hooves) do you think we need to develop to walk faithfully with God?
Read Ephesians 6. Which piece of armor do you feel strongest in right now? Which one do you need to grow in?
Have you ever found yourself depending more on your own strength than on God?
What does perseverance in faith look like for you in this season?
How can you support others in climbing their own “high places”?
Scripture References