In 1 Samuel 17:1-11, we are told that the Philistines were all lined up in battle against the Israelites, and then, as if to display their arrogance, brought their massive weaponry into the thick of the conflict and challenged the Israelites if they could truly fight them. “Bring out your champion and let each of us fight together,” shouted the giant in taunting manner. “If he will win, we will be your slaves, but if I will win, you will be our servants,” rung the words that made all the knees of the army captains buckle with fear. Yet at the same time as this was happening, a young boy happened to passed by them, and in a seemingly innocent  haughtiness, he asked, “who is this uncircumcised that chances to defy the armies of God? Let me get his head off.” So the epic battle that brought David into the throne of Israel begun.

King David is arguably the greatest worshipper in the Scriptures. None comes close to the sublime message and rapturous joy he had as he beheld the Lord in worship.

Confidence is an essential leadership trait that we all need in order to live a fulfilling life. If we lack confidence, we will not take any risk even if it is better to do so. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” Evidently, if we want to succeed in this life, we have to take risks for every decision that we make. Just as David took the risk to bring down the giant with just a slingshot of stone, confidence tell us that we must take chances. Although Saul’s armor and sword could be more powerful than the slingshot and stone, David’s lack of experience and practice in using them caused him to choose what he could handle well (1 Sam. 17:39). The first principle in warfare is know your enemy and the second one is know your weapons well. A good weapon is next to nothing unless tested. Because David’s hand is more skilled in pulling the stone than the sword at this point, he chose well to get his well worn slingshot. Sometimes, we are placed in a position that demand us to be alert, smart and decisive for the good of all. In David’s success of conquering the giant, we are given three insights that we can use to conquer any lingering doubts that we have in our lives, abilities and decision-making.

1. Confidence demands leadership in times of crisis
2. Confidence grows from former exploits
3. Confidence takes action

As the young shepherd boy tells us, true leadership demands action and there cannot be action if fear freezes us to our feet. In order to move and decide, one has to take action; one has to see the cause. So when the young boy saw that the giant pinned down the army of Saul, he took action. He found comfort that he killed the lion and the bear, so God will also give the head of the giant into his hands (1 Sam. 17:36). In fact, he who was a mere boy challenged the giant and said, “This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” (1 Sam 17:46 NIV).

The boy shepherd, unskilled in war, untaught yet bold, and full of confidence that God can wrought a miracle through his hands.

Like David, Paul also reminds us that we can do all things through Him who empowers us. Is there any lack, fear, doubt or misery in your life you want removed? You can do it. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13-14) because God can do exceedingly, abundantly and mightily “above all that we could ask” from Him (Eph. 3:20). Our resolve is to never  walk in fear but in peace, joy, love and sound mind because our confidence is in God’s ability to meet every need, including those that we think are just natural events. Read the following scriptures, memorize them, meditate on them and pray them for your comfort and strength.

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Rom. 8:15-17)

“And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” (Phil 1:28 KJV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:6-7 NIV)

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”  (Eph. 3:20-21)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

“ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb. 12:28-29 NKJV)