Warning: Faith based post.
A little boy, the youngest of the family, whose responsibility was to take care of the sheep. Like any youngest brother when he shows up to the battle lines to do his chores his brother scoffs at him and questions why he is there.
This young man is curious what is going on as he sees battle lines drawn and feels the tension in the air. Suddenly he hears a booming voice from a nine foot tall giant boldly declaring his strength and challenging he could not be defeated. The response of this young man is the voice of a leader who knows he has the strength it takes for victory from the experience of his past successes and the ability to tap into a strength that is greater than himself.
He boldly declares: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:36-37 NIV
This may be a fictional story to you, or true. Regardless, there are great leadership principles we can draw from this story. This was the day a great leader for the nation of Israel awakened. If you are familiar with the rest of the story, young David slings a stone between the eyes of this giant, kills him, and proceeds to cut his head off to proclaim the victory he made for the Lord. So principles can we draw from this?
- David had a vision great than himself. When leaders have a vision of something greater than themselves they have the ability to see past the giant in front of them because they see their purpose. David knew Israel was destined to be a great nation that would rule the land they were about to battle over. The vision of what was to be (and his God) was bigger than a little nine foot giant and his army.
- David had experience. When we see a giant in front of us we are overwhelmed. Think of the first time you had to go “sell” something as a kid, maybe cookies, a school fundraiser, popcorn, a lawn mowing service, etc. That first time was nerve racking, but over time your confidence grew as you had small successes and eventually large successes. David had killed a bear and a lion while being a shepherd so his experience said that he could slay this giant (with God’s help).
- David had faith. I am not really good in the water unless my feet touch the ground. I have experience watching people float and swim in water although it defies my logic, but my faith is weak because I still am reluctant to go into deep water and try to swim. David saw how he had defeated giant beasts, but he saw the deeper water of a giant soldier and had faith he (with God’s help) would overcome.
- David had courage. I don’t have a clue if in that moment part of him was thinking: “what am I saying, this guy can step on me and squish me and I am saying I will be delivered by this invisible God I do not see . . . I must be crazy.” In spite of this possible thought and definite fear, David ACTED. Courage applied is action when afraid. Courage is a must for any leader whether it be courage to pursue a huge dream or courage to have a difficult conversation.
If you read this far, I hope this has encouraged you and added value to your life. You are a leader where you are because you influence someone. May this story inspire you to have a vision greater than yourself with the faith and courage to slay whatever giant you may be staring down today. Lead well wherever you are and know you have resources to help you accomplish more than you ever imagined!
