Courageous Leadership Is Different That You Think | 1 Samuel 17:19-30

Vince Miller Podcast

Are you a courageous leader?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 17. I've titled this chapter "Battling Giants."

So far, we have the battle scene. In today's text, David will head out to battle. As I read, I want you to notice David's curiosity. Let's read 19-30:

Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.

All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. And the men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel." And David said to the men who stood by him, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" And the people answered him in the same way, "So shall it be done to the man who kills him."

Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Was it not but a word?" And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before. — 1 Samuel 17:19-30

Verse 26 is an incredible first declaration from David. Surrounded by men paralyzed by fear, he issues a rhetorical question followed by a declaration of contempt. It is not a question that was meant to be answered. It was a statement of disbelief that no one had responded and that a reward was required to rally them when Goliath had offended God.

David's courage is curious, controlled, and concerned about the things of God.

The contrast between David and every man on this battlefield is profound. Every other man is paralyzed by a giant, while David is compelled by God. His courage is so great that the men are confused about it, his brothers are angry about it, and the king will hear about it.

Courageous leadership does not involve mustering moral strength to defend one's beliefs. Instead, courageous leadership is an act of faith based on trust in God despite threats or apparent danger. David epitomizes this.

And so should we.

To develop courageous faith like David had, consider these two practical steps:

First | Focus on God's Perspective, Not the Size of the Challenge.

David's courage came from his unwavering trust in God. Instead of focusing on the size of your problems, focus on the greatness of God. Remind yourself of God's power and past faithfulness. This perspective will encourage you to face challenges head-on, knowing God is with you.

Second | Take Bold Action Rooted in Faith.

David's faith led him to take decisive action. We must move our faith into bold action, build courageous leadership, and deepen our trust in God.

#CourageousLeadership, #FaithOverFear, #DavidVsGoliath

Ask This:

1. How can you shift your focus from the size of your challenges to the greatness of God in your current situation? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's power and faithfulness?
2. In what areas of your life is God calling you to take bold action rooted in faith, similar to David's approach with Goliath? How can you step out in courage to lead with conviction and trust in God's guidance?

Do This:

See God's perspective, act in faith, and be courageous.

Pray This:

Lord, grant me the courage to face my giants with unwavering faith, just as David did. Help me focus on Your power and take bold action rooted in trust, knowing that You are with me every step. Amen.

Play This:

Courageous.