David and Goliath: Courage in the Face of Giants

Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 17 (RSV-CE)

“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…” – 1 Samuel 17:45

Introduction: The Battlefield of Leadership

Every leader eventually finds themselves standing in a valley, facing something that seems impossible. Whether it’s a failing organization, a looming deadline, a toxic team dynamic, or even our own fear, the giants of leadership don’t carry swords—they come armed with doubt, pressure, and uncertainty.

The story of David and Goliath isn’t just a Sunday School tale of the underdog’s victory. It’s a masterclass in bold, faith-driven leadership. And for modern leaders—from CEOs to fire chiefs, paramedics to pastors—David’s example is a powerful reminder that courage isn’t about our capability. It’s about our conviction. David's courage in the face of a seemingly invincible foe should inspire and empower us all.

Setting the Scene: A Leader Emerges

In 1 Samuel 17, Israel is frozen in fear. For forty days, Goliath—a Philistine warrior over nine feet tall—taunts the armies of the living God. Israel's seasoned soldiers, including King Saul himself, are paralyzed. No one steps forward.

Enter David: a young shepherd, the youngest of eight sons, too small to be considered a soldier. He wasn’t trained for war. He wasn’t expected to lead. But leadership is less about title and more about response. And David responded with faith.

When David hears Goliath’s challenge, something stirs in him. He doesn't see a giant that can’t be beaten—he sees an opportunity to defend God's honor. He doesn’t ask, “Am I strong enough?” He asks, “Why hasn’t anyone stepped forward?”

Faith Over Fear: The Source of David’s Courage

It’s tempting to think David was simply brave. But his courage had roots—it was anchored in his past and in his God.

David had been faithful in the little things. As a shepherd, he fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep. He didn’t gain confidence from theory but from experience. These “smaller” victories prepared him for the larger battle ahead.

When questioned about his qualifications, David didn’t boast about his slingshot skills. He said:

“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37

This is the foundation of godly leadership—confidence not in ourselves, but in the God who has always come through.

Leadership Principle #1: Giants Reveal the Heart of the Leader

When Goliath stepped forward, he exposed something in every Israelite. For most, it was fear. For Saul, it was passivity. But for David, it was courage.

True leadership moments don’t always arrive with a memo. They often emerge in chaos. In the fire service, it might be a multi-car wreck on a foggy highway. In corporate leadership, it might be a public relations crisis. In life, it could be a cancer diagnosis or a failing marriage.

These are our “Goliath moments,” and how we respond says more about our leadership than our résumés ever could.

Leadership Principle #2: The Right Armor Matters

When Saul finally agrees to let David fight, he tries to dress him in royal armor. But David quickly sheds it:

“I cannot go with these; for I am not used to them.” – 1 Samuel 17:39

How many times have leaders tried to wear someone else’s armor—adopting leadership styles, strategies, or values that don’t fit?

David wasn’t afraid to be himself. He fought with the tools he knew—a sling and five smooth stones.

Modern leaders must learn to lead authentically. That doesn’t mean rejecting wisdom or feedback. It means refusing to compromise your God-given identity for someone else’s image of success. The most effective leaders are those who have discovered what God has uniquely equipped them to do—and walk confidently in that calling.

Leadership Principle #3: Boldness Honors God

David’s speech to Goliath is a defining moment in biblical leadership:

“You come to me with a sword and with a spear… but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…” – 1 Samuel 17:45

David doesn’t posture. He doesn’t trash-talk to boost morale. He centers his courage on God’s power and purpose. His aim is not just to win a fight, but to make God known:

“…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” – 1 Samuel 17:46

Leadership is never just about outcomes. It’s about witness. Every decision you make, every challenge you face, is a chance to declare where your trust lies. David’s victory wasn’t just personal—it was transformational. It rallied a nation and shifted momentum in a war. This should remind us of the weight of our decisions and the potential for transformation in our leadership.

Practical Applications for Modern Leaders

1. Face Your Giants with Faith, Not Fear

You may not be facing a literal giant, but chances are, you’re staring down something just as intimidating. Perhaps it’s a failing department, a toxic employee, or the fear of taking on something new.

Like David, reflect on the “lions and bears” God has already helped you conquer. Let your past victories fuel your present courage.

2. Reject the Wrong Armor

Don’t conform to what the world says a leader should look like. Whether you're a paramedic leading your crew, a business owner managing a team, or a pastor guiding your congregation, lead from your calling. Your authenticity is your strength.

3. Speak with Conviction

Leaders are often required to cast vision in the middle of chaos. David didn’t just act courageously—he spoke with boldness. When others around you doubt, your words can breathe life and stir hope.

4. Preparation Precedes Promotion

David wasn’t promoted to battlefield leader overnight. He was faithful with sheep before he was faithful with soldiers. Don't despise small beginnings. Honor God where you are, and trust that He’s preparing you for what’s next.

5. Remember Who Gets the Glory

David's focus wasn’t on becoming a hero—it was on honoring God. As leaders, we must continually ask: Am I pointing people to my skills or to God’s sufficiency? Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about stewardship.

Reflection: What Giants Are You Facing?

Every leader has a Goliath. Yours might not be nine feet tall, but it’s real. The question isn’t whether the giant is intimidating—the question is whether your faith is greater than your fear.

Ask yourself:

• What giant is standing in my way right now?

• Am I trying to wear someone else’s armor?

• How has God already prepared me for this moment?

• Who will get the glory when the victory comes?

A Call to Courage

David didn’t defeat Goliath with a sword. He defeated him with faith. He stood where others shrank. He believed where others doubted. And he acted while others hesitated.

That’s the kind of leadership our world desperately needs today.

Leaders who face giants with courage. Leaders who trust more in God's promises than the world’s predictions. Leaders who see opposition not as the end—but as the moment for God’s power to be revealed.

So stand up, pick up your stones, and face your giant.

Not in your strength—but in His.

Reflection Question of the Week: What ‘giants’ am I facing, and how can I trust God more deeply to overcome them?

Closing Thought: Leadership begins when we step forward in faith—even when fear whispers, “You’re not enough.” Like David, may we rise, not because we’re ready, but because we’re called. And may every step forward echo the truth: “The battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17:47)