I would never call myself fearless, so what was I doing writing a middle-grade adventure novel on the topic of courage? It only goes to show that God has a sense of humor and can enable even the least of us to do His work. 

It all started with a question—what gave David the courage to fight Goliath? A teenage shepherd boy was the last person you would think would willingly face the giant, especially since all of Israel’s fierce warriors ran from the Philistine’s presence. And yet David didn’t hesitate to volunteer the moment he laid eyes on Goliath. Why? 

We find a clue in his words to King Saul when David recounted his victories while fighting lions and bears. It turned out that David had already faced many dangers when the odds of success were slim to none. I doubt that killing such ferocious predators with nothing but a club in his hands was any easier than defeating Goliath. Nonetheless, he had willingly risked his life to save his sheep—not once but multiple times. 

What gave David such courage? In 1 Samuel 17:37, he declared that God rescued him from the paws of the lion and the bear. Here, we see the source of David’s bravery—he trusted God over his fears. David had an unwavering faith that the Lord would give him victory. I’m sure he was just as terrified as the next guy, but he chose to listen to God above all else. 

Even at such a young age, David had established a pattern of trusting the Lord. When he saw Goliath, he knew that fighting the giant would be no different than his other terrifying battles because God would be with him. And so he confidently declared that the Lord would save him from the Philistine warrior. 

David’s faith amazes me. Too many times, difficulties in ministry make me want to give up or shrink back in fear. During these moments, I think, How can I write about David’s courage and not follow his example? And so, with trepidation, I choose to trust God.