Children's / Sunday School · aligned to Standard Evangelical (default)
David and Goliath: Brave Because God Is With Us
Real courage doesn't come from being big or strong — it comes from trusting that God is bigger than anything we're afraid of.
Review & safety checks
This lesson plan is well-structured, theologically sound, and age-appropriate. The big idea (courage through trust in God) aligns with the evangelical doctrinal basis. Scripture references are accurate and properly cited. The teaching narrative is engaging and faithful to the 1 Samuel 17 account. The activity (smooth stones as reminders) is creative and reinforces the central message without being gimmicky. No plagiarism, theological concerns, or sensitive-material flags detected. The plan is ready for use.
No theology, sensitivity, or plagiarism issues flagged. Reviewed against the Standard Evangelical (default) Statement of Faith.
Lesson plan
Greet kids warmly as they arrive. Play 'Giant Steps' (like Mother-May-I): Choose one child to be the 'caller' standing across the room. Other kids line up at the wall and try to reach the caller by asking, 'May I take giant steps?' The caller answers 'Yes, take 2 giant steps' or 'No, take 3 baby steps.' First to reach the caller wins and becomes the next caller. After 2-3 quick rounds, gather everyone and say: 'Today's Bible story has a REAL giant in it — and a boy who looked way too small to win. Let's find out what happened!'
Tell the story with energy (use a Bible, and have kids act out crouching small as 'David' and standing tall as 'Goliath'). Set the scene: God's people, Israel, were at war with the Philistines. The Philistines had a giant soldier named Goliath — over nine feet tall! Every day Goliath stomped out and shouted, 'Send someone to fight me!' All of Israel's soldiers were terrified and shook with fear (have kids pretend to shake). Then a young shepherd boy named David came to bring food to his brothers. David heard Goliath making fun of God's army and he was not afraid. David said, 'Who is this giant to make fun of the living God?' Everyone thought David was too small and too young. But David remembered how God had helped him protect his sheep from a lion and a bear. He trusted that the same God would help him now. King Saul tried to put heavy armor on David, but it was too big! So David took only his shepherd's staff, five smooth stones, and his sling. As Goliath laughed at him, David called out (read 1 Samuel 17:45-47). David ran toward Goliath, swung his sling, and the stone struck the giant — down he fell! God gave David the victory. Emphasize: David won not because he was strong, but because he trusted the God who was with him. Read Joshua 1:9 to connect: God tells US to be brave too, because He is with us.
Ask the questions below, letting several kids answer. Help them name everyday 'giants' (fears) — the dark, a test, a bully, being new, being left out — and point them back to the truth that God is with them and bigger than their fears.
Give each child a smooth stone (or a stone-shaped paper cutout) and markers. Have them write or draw one 'giant' (something they feel afraid of) on one side, and on the other side write 'GOD IS WITH ME.' As they work, walk around and chat with them. Tell them to keep the stone in their pocket or room as a reminder that, like David, they can be brave because God is with them. Let a few volunteers share their stone.
Gather kids in a circle. Recap the big idea: 'We don't have to be the biggest or strongest — we just need to trust that God is with us.' Pray together: 'Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than anything that scares us. Help us be brave like David because You are always with us. In Jesus' name, amen.'
Discussion questions
- warmupHave you ever seen something REALLY big or really tall? How did it make you feel?
- digWhy do you think David wasn't scared of Goliath when everyone else was?
- digWhat did David say the battle belonged to? Who did David trust to help him?
- applyWhat is one 'giant' (something scary or hard) in your life right now?
- applyHow can remembering that God is with you help you be brave this week?
Scripture
1 Samuel 17:45 — But David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
1 Samuel 17:47 — And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give all of you into our hands."
Joshua 1:9 — Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Leader notes
Prep checklist
- Read 1 Samuel 17 ahead of time so you can tell the story confidently in your own words.
- Practice telling the story with simple actions (shaking with fear, standing tall as Goliath, swinging a sling).
- Clear a space for the 'Giant Steps' game so kids can move safely.
- Pre-write the memory truth 'GOD IS WITH ME' on a board or poster for the activity.
- Pray for the children by name before the session.
- Have a backup helper ready if the group is on the larger side (15-20).
Materials
- A children's Bible or storybook Bible
- Smooth stones (one per child) OR stone-shaped paper cutouts
- Washable markers or permanent markers (adult-supervised)
- Optional: a real sling or picture of one to show
- Whiteboard or poster with the phrase 'GOD IS WITH ME'
- Wet wipes for cleanup
This took DiviNav about a minute. Make one for your church:
Try it free — no card