Every leader eventually faces a challenge that feels larger than life.
It might be a financial shortfall you didn’t see coming, a strained relationship at work, or the crushing pressure of expectations you can’t seem to meet. These obstacles show up suddenly, loom over our lives, and whisper lies that weaken our confidence.
In other words, we all face giants. They may not look like Goliath, but they feel just as imposing.
Scripture provides a clear pattern for overcoming our giants through David’s story, offering practical leadership lessons rooted in biblical truth that are relevant today.
When a Giant Stands in the Way of Your Calling
The scene in 1 Samuel 17 is unforgettable. Israel’s army stood frozen, intimidated by a giant who strutted onto the battlefield every morning and every evening to shout insults and defy the living God. Fear shaped their worldview. Hesitation dictated their actions. Not a single leader stepped forward.
Then a young shepherd boy arrived with bread and cheese.
David didn’t look like a warrior.
He had no experience with armor.
He wasn’t even in the army.
But David carried something no one else had: a deep, unshakable belief that God is bigger than the giant standing in front of him. This trust in God’s power is the foundation for overcoming our giants today.
That mindset is the heart of killing our giants today.
We may never face a nine-foot warrior, but the giants we battle are just as mighty if we let them take root. Here are four of the most common giants Christian business leaders encounter—and how David’s example helps us defeat them.
Killing Our Giants: Four Enemies That Stand Between Us and God’s Best
1. The Giant of Fear
Fear often disguises itself as wisdom. It sounds like caution, prudence, or waiting for “just a little more clarity.” But underneath, fear whispers:
- “You can’t do this.”
- “You’re not strong enough.”
- “If you step out, you’ll fail.”
Israel trembled for forty days (1 Samuel 17:24). Fear dominated the atmosphere. But David recalled God’s past faithfulness—protecting him from the lion and the bear—and suddenly the giant didn’t seem so intimidating (v. 37).
Application:
The first step in killing fear is remembering who God is and what He has already done. Courage doesn’t begin with focusing on the giant—it starts with focusing on God’s power.
2. The Giant of Intimidation
Goliath talked a big game. He knew that if he could shape Israel’s mindset, the battle would be won before a single sword was drawn. Giants in our lives still operate this way.
Intimidation comes through:
- workplace conflict
- financial pressure
- negative voices
- past failures
- looming uncertainty
But David didn’t let Goliath’s voice define reality. He anchored himself in God’s truth:
“I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45).
Application:
Intimidation loses its grip when we stop rehearsing the giant’s threats and start declaring God’s promises. Speaking truth about God’s faithfulness can fill you with hope and strengthen your resolve.
3. The Giant of Comparison
Saul meant well by offering David his armor, but David quickly realized it wasn’t meant for him (v. 39).
The giant of comparison works the same way today. It convinces us that we need someone else’s gifts, strengths, platform, personality, or leadership style to succeed.
But God created you intentionally.
He equipped you specifically.
Your calling requires your sling—not someone else’s amor.
Application:
Killing the comparison giant begins with embracing how God uniquely wired you. When you accept your calling, you can face giants with confidence and clarity.
4. The Giant of Unbelief
This may be the biggest giant of them all. Israel didn’t just believe Goliath was big—they believed God was small. Unbelief shrinks our prayers, stifles our obedience, and blinds us to God’s activity.
David saw what everyone else saw—but he believed something radically different.
Application:
Leadership built on faith sees giants differently. It recognizes that God is not absent, indifferent, or powerless. Killing this giant begins with choosing to believe God will work in and through you as you step forward in obedience.
Why Killing Our Giants Matters
When David killed Goliath, the victory didn’t just change his life—it reshaped the future of an entire nation. That’s the nature of giant-slaying victories. They open doors that once seemed sealed shut. They build faith where fear once lived. They create momentum for obedience.
Every time we face a giant with God’s strength and step forward in faith, something shifts:
- courage grows
- wisdom deepens
- leadership strengthens
- trust in God expands
Giants aren’t roadblocks. They’re invitations to experience God’s power more fully.
A Leader’s Call to Courage
You might be facing a giant right now. It may be financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual. It may be a situation no one else knows about. But no matter how intimidating it feels, you never face your giants alone.
The battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47).
But the stepping out—that part belongs to you.
This week, take a step.
Name your giant.
Trust God’s faithfulness.
And move toward the victory He’s prepared for you.
Action Steps for Leaders
To apply this message, take time to honestly identify your personal giants, reflect on biblical promises, and commit to stepping forward in faith this week.
- Identify your giant with complete honesty.
Clarity is the first step toward freedom. - Find three verses that speak directly against your giant.
Replace its lies with God’s truth. - List your “lion and bear” moments.
Remembering God’s past work fuels confidence for today. - Take one concrete step of obedience this week.
Faith grows through action. - Invite someone to walk with you.
Giants fall more easily when we fight alongside others.
Discussion Questions
Use these for small groups, leadership teams, or personal reflection.
- Which giant—fear, intimidation, comparison, or unbelief—shows up most often in your leadership?
- How does David’s mindset challenge the way you face your current giant?
- Where are you trying to wear someone else’s “armor” instead of using your God-given strengths?
- What stories of God’s past faithfulness can anchor your courage today?
- What one step of faith is God calling you to take this week?
More Articles
I have written several articles on dependence on God. You can find them by typing ‘Dependence on God’ in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent articles.
- #672: New Beginnings with God: How to Step into the New Year with Faith and Courage
- #671: Looking Back, Moving Forward: Trusting God with Every Season
- #662: What the Bible Says About Worry and How Leaders Can Model Faith Over Fear
- #660: God Goes Before Us: Finding Confidence in His Guidance and Presence
- #652: Turning God’s Promises into Prayers: A Leader’s Guide
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. Which giant—fear, intimidation, comparison, or unbelief—shows up most often in your leadership?
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Category: Personal Development | Dependence on God
Identifying and naming your giant is excellent advice. Forces you to confront it. No contextualizing or avoiding. And once we name our giant, we can battle and defeat it. Great analogy with the David and a Goliath story, Ron.
Thanks John! I can’t tell how many times I sat in discussions where leaders stood on the sidelines (like David’s brothers) ignoring the obvious problem right in front of them while someone with courage stepped up and took action!