The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is one that is not just a Bible story, it has become a universal symbol of underdog triumph, resilience, and faith against overwhelming odds. It has been referenced in pop culture across movies, sports, business, politics, and personal success stories. There is something about the underdog that rallies us all, but beyond that every time I read this story I am always amazed at David’s ability to see beyond danger and the fears that had so engulfed his contemporaries.

What was it about him that just wasn’t intimidated by the seven-footer trained for war and ready to obliterate his people. Goliath, the Philistine had been taunting Israel for what seems like 40 days and the Israelites were terrified. Then David enters the chat and this young and handsome boy is ready to take on this giant unafraid, unabashed as a matter of fact, and offended that this heathen had the audacity to insult his God.

As the book of 1 Samuel would have it, as to refer by this specific Name, “the God of Heaven’s armies” in multiple passages, it suggests to us that God was more than ready to fight Israel and deliver it from this enemy that had subjected them for decades. This young shepherd boy had spent enough time with God to know what kind of God He was, hence giving him a different perspective, the God perspective.

The one that says the Lord is mighty and ready to rescue His people from the oppression of the enemy and even after his brother’s verbal abuse and an attempt at trying to conform to battle etiquette. This boy goes in the strength of Lord and slays this giant with a few stones because he was convinced that it was not about the weapon but the One who fights for you.

So I made it my mission to look at some of the lessons that I can learn from a story so far removed from my reality but somewhat applicable to my current context as a woman who is building in a very competitive marketplace; that is constantly bombarded with culture metrics for success that are not in line with God’s standards. I am called to use my gifts to honor His Name, work and obey His Word, the rest is His Job. I don’t have to try to understand or even manipulate the outcome to fit my narrative of success. David teaches us radical faith, spiritual intimacy, and a mindset that set him apart from those around him and guarantees his victory over Goliath, because his heart and mind were shaped by time spent with God.