Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a giant named Goliath. He was very tall and strong, like a mountain standing in the valley. Every day, he shouted loudly to the soldiers of Israel, “Who will fight me? I am the strongest!” The people were very scared because Goliath was so big and fierce.
Far away from the army, there was a young boy named David. He was small and kind, and he took care of sheep. David loved God very much and trusted Him with all his heart. One day, David’s father asked him to bring food to his brothers who were soldiers in the army.
When David arrived, he heard Goliath’s loud voice again. The soldiers were trembling like leaves in the wind. They didn’t want to fight the giant. David looked at Goliath and asked, “Who is this giant that he can talk to God’s people like that?” David was not afraid because he knew God was with him.
King Saul saw David and said, “You are just a boy. How can you fight this giant?” But David told him a story. He said, “When I took care of my sheep, lions and bears came to attack. But God helped me, and I was safe.” David believed God would help him fight Goliath too.
David did not wear big armor or carry a heavy sword. Instead, he picked five smooth stones from a river. He held his sling tight in his hand. His heart was brave and full of faith, like a bright shining star in the dark night.
When Goliath saw David, he laughed and said, “Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?” But David was not scared. He said, “You come with sword and spear, but I come in the name of the Lord, the God of armies.”
David swung his sling and let the stone fly like a little bird in the sky. The stone hit Goliath right on his forehead. The giant fell down like a tall tree in a storm. Everyone was quiet for a moment, then they cheered with joy!
David’s faith in God helped him win. The soldiers were happy and thanked God. David showed that even a small boy can do big things when God is with him. God is strong and helps us when we trust Him.
Isn’t it amazing how God can use anyone, even a little boy, to do great things? What big things do you think God wants to help you do?
Questions to think about
- Why was David not afraid of Goliath?
- How did David take care of his sheep?
- What did David use to fight Goliath?
- Who helped David win the battle?
- What can you do when you feel scared?
Message of the story
God is always with us, and He gives us courage to face big challenges, no matter how small we are.
Bible passage
1 Samuel 17 (World English Bible)
1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
2 Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and camped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up for battle against the Philistines.
3 The Philistine stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.
4 A champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall.
5 He had a bronze helmet on his head, and wore a coat of mail. The weight of the coat
