When God Called David, He Didn’t Give Him a Crown—He Gave Him a Goliath

(Truth in Advertising: I saw that headline in LinkedIn and I just had to use it!)

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most celebrated narratives in Scripture. It’s also one of my favorites (along with Daniel and the Lion’s Den, and the story of Job). We love the image of the underdog defeating the giant with nothing but a sling and a stone. But if we stop there, we miss the deeper leadership lesson: When God called David to be king, He didn’t hand him a crown—He handed him a challenge.

Next week, I’ll publish a 3-part series on the story of David and Goliath that focuses on three separate aspects of the story: Anointing, Adversity, and Ascension. Today’s blog sets the stage for that series. Enjoy!

The Call Before the Crown

David was anointed king in 1 Samuel 16, but he didn’t ascend the throne that day. Instead, he returned to the pasture. He kept serving. He kept waiting. And then came Goliath.

Why? Because God uses giants to shape kings. Before David could lead a nation, he had to lead himself—through fear, through doubt, and through the battlefield of faith.

David’s confidence wasn’t in his skill; it was in God. That’s the foundation of servant leadership: trusting God’s provision over our own position.

What This Means for Modern Leaders

In business, we often pray for the crown—promotion, influence, success. But God often sends a Goliath first:

• A failing project

• A toxic culture

• A financial crisis

• A competitor that seems unbeatable

Sometimes, if we’re particularly hardheaded, He sends all four! But why? Because giants reveal character. They test whether we lead for self or for service. They force us to rely on God’s wisdom, not our weapons.

Three Leadership Lessons from David’s Goliath

1. Giants Are Gateways, Not Graveyards: Goliath wasn’t the end of David’s story—it was the beginning of his public leadership. Your biggest challenge may be the platform God uses to elevate you.

2. Preparation Happens in Obscurity: David didn’t learn courage on the battlefield; he learned it in the pasture. The lions and bears of your private life prepare you for the giants of your public life.

3. Servant Leaders Fight for Others, Not Themselves: David didn’t fight Goliath for fame. He fought to defend God’s honor and serve Israel. True leaders step up for the sake of others, even when the risk is great.

The Servant Leader’s Response to Giants

When the giant looms, don’t ask, “Why me?” Ask, “What is God forming in me?” Servant leadership isn’t about avoiding battles—it’s about facing them with humility, courage, and faith.

Practical Takeaways

• Frame Your Task Properly: Ensure God is your foundation.

• Pause Before You React: Seek God’s wisdom before swinging your sling. 

• Leverage Past Victories: Remember the “lions and bears” you’ve already overcome.

• Lead With Purpose: Make the fight about serving others, not proving yourself. 

Final Thought

When God calls you to lead, He may not give you a crown right away. He may give you a Goliath. Not to crush you—but to crown you through the challenge. Because in God’s economy, giants aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities.