When Saul and all Israel heard these words from the Philistine, they lost their courage and were terrified.
1 SAMUEL 17:11 (CSB)

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Emotions are contagious. An anxious person on a team spreads anxiety to others. This is especially true if the leader is the bearer of these emotions. 

When the battle lines were drawn and armies faced one another, the tallest man of Israel, King Saul, found himself looking up, way up, to the big guy on the other side. He who had proven himself a courageous warrior on many occasions now appeared hesitant and fearful. As goes the leader, so goes the team. 

In reading this text, we see this was a daily occurrence. In fact, this went on for over a month (verse 16). Every day for over a month, “When all the Israelite men saw Goliath, they retreated from him terrified,” (verse 24). 

Unless you have lived under a rock, you know how the story goes. David, the shepherd boy who had taken on and taken out a lion and a bear and was ready to take on the Big Boy, did just that. You probably know that this is the origin of the old saying, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” You know this is a story of how to get a head (see verse 51). 

Notice David’s speech when he and Goliath squared off in single combat (verses 45-47). David makes it clear he is fighting God’s battle with God’s strength. Note the last line of the speech: “He will hand you over to us.” David knew he was not alone. God was with him and the whole army had his back. 

Just as we see how fear was contagious early in this story, we now see the effect of one courageous leader led and empowered by God. Look at verse 52:

The men of Israel and Judah rallied, shouting their battle cry, and chased the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. Philistine bodies were strewn all along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. 

Whether you lead yourself alone, your family, or a team at work, lead with courage and conviction today. Lead in God’s strength with his wisdom and watch him take out giants before you. You can go home tonight singing a victory song when you do. 

Going in God’s strength to accomplish God’s purpose leads to victory. 

What giants stand in your way today? How will you get ahead with courage and conviction? 

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I will face the giants with God at my back and his strength in my soul. 

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Our Father, you can do anything but fail. Lead me forward today in courage and conviction as I live on mission with you. There are giants between me and my goals today. Empower me to take them on and to take them out. May everyone see how good and how great you are. Amen.