You’ve probably heard it before: “You’re not ready.” Maybe it came from a friend, a family member, or even your own inner critic. They point to your lack of experience, your flaws, your past mistakes. The odds are stacked, and the voices around you seem to agree—you’re just not the one for the job. David knew that feeling.
When God nudged him to step into the valley and face Goliath, David wasn’t met with applause or encouragement. His own brother, Eliab, mocked him:
“Why are you even here? Shouldn’t you be back with the sheep?” Translation: “You’re too small. Too unimportant. Stay in your lane.”
Even Saul, the king who should’ve been leading the charge, couldn’t see it. He flat-out told David he wasn’t qualified:
“You’re just a boy. Goliath has been a warrior longer than you’ve been alive.”
But here’s the thing: God wasn’t looking for someone who fit the world’s definition of “ready.” He wasn’t interested in the resumes, the titles, or the fame. He wanted someone who trusted Him enough to step forward, sling in hand, and let Him do the heavy lifting.
God didn’t pick a warrior. He picked a shepherd.
Too often, we buy into the myth that only spiritual giants or well-known leaders are capable of doing big things for God. We think we need the right credentials, the right connections, or the right amount of followers to make a real impact.
But God isn’t checking your LinkedIn. He’s checking your heart.
The truth is, God has a history of using the overlooked and underestimated to accomplish His plans. Moses stuttered. Gideon doubted. Rahab had a messy past. And yet, they all said “yes” to God. That’s the only qualification that matters—a willingness to step out when He calls.
When Everyone Doubts
David’s story reminds us of this: the opinions of others don’t determine your destiny. Eliab’s insults didn’t stop David. Saul’s doubts didn’t disqualify him. And Goliath’s taunts didn’t intimidate him.
What made the difference? David knew who was really in control. Before he stepped onto the battlefield, he declared:
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
David wasn’t relying on his own strength; he was relying on God’s. That’s what silences the doubts—yours and everyone else’s.
So what’s your Goliath? Maybe it’s a dream God has placed on your heart—a business, a ministry, a creative project—that feels way too big for you to handle. Or maybe it’s a situation that seems impossible to overcome: a broken relationship, a financial crisis, or a health challenge.
The world might say, “You can’t do it.” But God says, “I’ve got you.” When God calls you to something, He doesn’t leave you to figure it out alone. He equips, empowers, and goes before you. You don’t need to be the strongest, smartest, or most experienced. You just need to show up and trust Him with the rest.
The God who chooses to work through the least of us.
Here’s the good news: even if everyone else is doubting you,
God isn’t.
He’s trying to show every one, it’s He who is doing the impossible task.
It’s Him, who will get the credit.
He sees your potential when no one else does. He knows what you’re capable of when you lean on Him. And He’s ready to use your story—not despite your weaknesses, but because of them—to show the world what He can do.
So the next time you hear the doubts—whether they come from others or your own mind—remember David. Remember that God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
The battle may feel impossible. The odds may seem insurmountable. But with God on your side, victory isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Trust Him. Step forward. Sling in hand.
Let God take care of the rest.
Inspired by 1 Samuel 17 and the God who calls us to defy the odds.
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