There have been many books, blogs and articles written on leadership.  Personally, I have read leadership books written by pastors, military officers and firefighters.  They are intriguing and each one has given me insight into how to be a better leader.  

The Bible still remains the greatest leadership book and David facing Goliath on the battlefield is an example of how a leader can rise from the unexpected and make a difference.

#1 - Willing to do the Small Stuff

1 Samuel 17

17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of thy brethren;

18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

David had been anointed the next King of Israel in 1 Samuel 16 and "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward".  His future was promised by God, but when asked to deliver groceries to the battlefield the Bible says...

20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him...

His willingness to "do the small stuff" also reveals David's desire to be obedient.  God has called us to be obedient from the creation of man and our love for God is directly tied to our obedience to His Word.

#2 - Look for Opportunities to be Used

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.~ Benjamin Franklin

As a Christian, we have been commanded to go and make disciples.  The opportunities that rise to minister may not always be convenient or exactly the responsibility that we want, but our desire to be used of God should be greater than our personal ambitions.

A man named Ananias was asked us to minister to a man named Saul.  Ananias' immediate response was not "Yes Sir", but "I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem", but because he was obedient the Bible states...

Acts 9

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

It was through this opportunity that arose for Ananias that the Apostle Paul first received salvation, kings heard the gospel, churches were planted and 2/3 of the New Testament was written.  An opportunity to witness to that person at work or your neighbor could bring revival to your city.

After David had arrived at the battlefield, he heard the cry of Goliath and saw the fear of the Israelite army.  David never asked what would happen if Goliath killed the Israelite, but asked, "What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

In David's mind, victory was the only option.  David understood the power of God because his experiences with a lion and a bear.  His faith told him that he was an overcomer and this was an opportunity make a difference.  An opportunity to be used by God.

#3 - Live what you Preach

David was accused by his brother, Eliab, of being proud, having "naughtiness of heart" and to come down to see the battle.  David replied "Is there not a cause?"  He was saying all the right things and the Bible states, "When the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him".  David's word sounded good enough to the King Saul that he wanted to speak to David. David tells Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine".  Their conversation continued....

33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

David had to "put his money where his mouth is".  He had to face Goliath.  He had been anointed the King of Israel, he was willing to do the small stuff, found an opportunity to be used and now he was going to have to put his words into action.  

It was on the field of battle in front of two armies that a young David faced an experienced warrior.  David never hesitated in his willingness to face the enemy of his people.  His expectation was to win because of the previous experiences that God had allowed to him face.  David was not alone in his fight against Goliath.

45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

At the end of the day, David won the battle.  He lived what he preached and brought deliverance to his people.  The Apostle James wrote James 2...

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Live what you preach and you can see your family and community changed through the power of God!