The shepherd boy David saw the problem but chose to move on to the solution. Goliath was a giant in many ways…in his physical size and in his ability to intimidate the Israelite soldiers. David sized up the situation and moved on to a solution for the problem that was before the elite army of Israel. David even shunned the world’s way by refusing the armor offered by the King. (It didn’t fit him anyway!)

David’s solution was based on a life of confidence in his Lord. It wasn’t due to experience. David had never fought a giant before. But David knew His Lord was able to do exceedingly abundantly above all he could hope or imagine. And God did.

Some read the story of David and Goliath and wonder why young David picked up five stones and not just one to fling at the giant. Henry Blackaby offers some insight. “David was prepared for God to grant him victory with the first stone he hurled at the giant or the fifth. David was ready to accept God’s victory, whether it came easily or with much effort.”

So many lessons there for us as we lead and face the day’s battles. First, do we have confidence in God? It might be a good time to take inventory of how the Lord has worked in your life and in your leadership. Have there been amazing times where it was obvious the Lord came through and secured victory? If you think through your experiences, you can probably build a good list of God’s victories in your life.

Since we know the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we should have the confidence that He is able to save the day and lead us to success in a way that gives God the glory. That is what is obvious in the story of David and Goliath. God is the victor and receives the praise.

And what if stone number one had not worked for David? Would he have thrown down his slingshot and stones, turned and retreated? I don’t think so. He was prepared for a battle, even if it took all five stones.

One leader said, “Bring me options and solutions, not problems.” Leadership coach Bob Biehl says big problems can become teachable moments used to grow your team’s skills. Biehl lays it out this way:

Ask your team members to bring you three optional solutions, with his or her final recommendation and reasons on a single sheet of paper.

The results, says Biehl, is that you develop your team members, and you learn who has great ideas or good judgment. In addition, you save much time by not rehashing the problem but moving on to potential solutions.

Pessimist or optimist? Problems or solutions? I’m so glad that the Lord is a God of solutions. Paul experienced many trials but could tell the Corinthians, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV).

Blackaby summed it up nicely:

“Optimists do not ignore the difficulties; they are keenly aware of them. But the knowledge of God’s presence prevents them from becoming discouraged or giving up. It is impossible to stand in the presence of God and be a pessimist!”

Take a fresh look at that problem before you.

And take a fresh look at your Lord, Jesus Christ.

God’s best,