David and Goliath for Kids: Finding Courage in Everyday Challenges

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous in the Bible. A young boy, armed only with faith and a sling, faced a giant warrior that no one else dared to fight. For children, it’s an unforgettable picture of courage. But beyond the dramatic scene, this story is a powerful lesson for everyday life.

Kids today may not battle giants with armor and swords, but they do face their own “giants”: speaking up in class, making new friends, standing up against unkind behavior, or simply trying something new. By retelling David’s story in a child-friendly way and connecting it to their daily experiences, we can help children see that courage is not about size or strength—it’s about trusting God.

The Story in Simple Words

David was the youngest of eight brothers, a shepherd boy who cared for his family’s sheep. While the army of Israel was terrified of Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, David believed God would give him victory. He refused to wear heavy armor and instead picked up five smooth stones from a stream. With just one stone and his sling, David struck Goliath and won.

David’s courage didn’t come from being the strongest or the tallest. It came from knowing that God was with him.

Lessons for Children

1. Courage Comes from God

David teaches children that they don’t have to face challenges alone. God’s strength gives them courage, whether they are standing on a stage, walking into a new classroom, or telling the truth when it’s hard.

2. Be Yourself

David didn’t try to fight like everyone else. He refused King Saul’s armor and used the tools he knew best—a sling and stones. Kids can learn that they don’t have to copy others to be brave. God made them unique, and their gifts are enough.

3. Faith Over Fear

The army saw a giant too big to defeat. David saw a God too great to fail. Teaching children to shift their focus from fear to faith helps them approach challenges with hope instead of worry.

Connecting the Story to Everyday Life

Children may never fight giants, but they face struggles that feel just as big to them. Here are some practical connections:

• In the classroom: A child might feel nervous about giving a presentation. David’s story shows that with God’s help, even small voices can make a difference.

• On the playground: Standing up for a friend who is being left out or teased can feel scary. David’s courage reminds kids that doing what’s right is worth it.

• At home: Trying a new skill, like learning to ride a bike or play an instrument, can feel overwhelming. Remembering David helps kids know that small steps with faith lead to big victories.

• With friends: Sometimes children are pressured to do something they know is wrong. Like David, they can find courage to say no and trust God’s way instead.

By framing real-life situations as “giants” kids face, parents and teachers can help them see that courage is something they can practice every day.

Activities to Reinforce the Lesson

• Coloring page – Give children a picture of David and Goliath to color while retelling the story. This makes the lesson visual and fun.

• “My Giant” activity – Ask children to draw something that feels hard for them (like math homework, making a new friend, or speaking up). Then let them write a short prayer asking God for courage.

• Stone of Courage – Give each child a small smooth stone. Encourage them to keep it in their pocket as a reminder that God’s strength is with them.

• Role-play – Act out the story with simple props, letting children experience how bravery feels when they trust God.

Why This Story Matters

The message of David and Goliath is timeless. It reminds children that courage doesn’t mean being fearless—it means choosing to trust God even when something feels scary. In today’s world, children face pressure, fears, and uncertainties. Giving them a story that shows God’s faithfulness in action equips them with confidence.

When children see themselves in David—small but brave—they realize they don’t have to wait to be “bigger” or “stronger” to trust God. Courage is for them, here and now.

A Helpful Resource for Families

Our Coloring with Jesus series was created to make stories like David and Goliath simple and engaging for kids. Each volume retells Bible stories in a way children can understand and pairs them with coloring pages to help the lesson stay in their hearts.

The story of David and Goliath is included in Coloring with Jesus – The Protagonists of the Bible (Vol. 3). You can download a free sample here or find the full book on Amazon. These stories are perfect for family devotions, Sunday School, or bedtime moments.