By Vlad Savchuk | August 11, 2025 | 4 minutes
The Mindset You Need to Win Battles
Often, when people are facing battles, they allow the enemy to shut them down through fear and intimidation. This is a powerful and destructive tactic that the enemy uses to ensure that we as believers don’t resist him. Here are a few mentality shifts that can help you fight back from the story of David (1 Samuel 17).
6 Tips to Change Your Mindset
Remember, if you want to fulfill your destiny and live unashamed you’ll have to break the power of intimidation.
1. If You’re Too Big for the Cheese, You’re Too Small for the Giant
When we look at the story of David, we see that during a very busy time, he wasn’t bothered by doing small tasks. In 1 Samuel 17:17–18, we see that David goes on a simple errand from his father without complaints.
To me, this bring up a very important heart posture that we are called to have. Small tasks, like errands or helping with setup at church are things that prepare you for greater battles even though it doesn’t seem like it right away. I believe that if you think you’re too important for the little things, you’re not ready for the big ones.
2. Not Every Battle Is Worth Fighting
Secondly, we see that David was very wise with his time. He didn’t fight everyone. When we look at this Scripture, we see that he asked what would happen to the person who defeated Goliath before he committed to fighting him (1 Samuel 17:26). In other words, while there may be different circumstances that fight for our attention, remember that not every argument or conflict is worth your energy.
Just because you can win a battle doesn’t mean you should fight it. Instead, when a situation arises, ask yourself if the reward worth the battle?
3. To Walk in Authority, You Must Live Under Authority
Next, we see that David didn’t run to Goliath without permission. Instead, he went to Saul first (1 Samuel 17:31-32).
It’s important to remember that our authority comes from being under authority. In other words, take the time to honor your parents, your pastors, and your leaders. It’s the heart of submission that will keep you covered like an umbrella in a storm.
While it may not feel cool it is this protection that positions you for purpose.
4. Borrow Faith from Yesterday’s Victories to Fuel Today’s Battles
Next, we see that David remembered his past victories with lions and bears before he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 14:34-37).
During times of battles or turmoil, God may not always give you a new word. While this seems scary, this is the perfect time to look back to times where God has shown up and revealed Himself to you. Remember what He’s already done in your life or in other. This will increase your faith and help you remember His faithfulness to show up once more.
5. Better to Be Rejected for Who You Are Than Accepted for Who You’re Not
Another important aspect of this story is to be okay with not being accepted. When Saul offered David his armor it didn’t fit and David was okay with that, choosing to be himself and using what he was accustomed to in times of battle.
In other words, when you’re facing a difficult situation, don’t lose sight of who God made you to be. Don’t sell your purity or identity to be accepted. Remember that God will use you as you are because it was Him who designed you that way to begin with.
6. If the Enemy Can’t Magnify Himself, He’ll Minimize You
Lastly, we see that when the battle came and was at its peak, David wasn’t scared and he didn’t back down. Goliath tried to intimidate him by making him feel small, but David didn’t give in (1 Samuel 17:42-44). In that moment, David didn’t focus on Goliath or himself but chose to focused on how big God is.
In the same way, I would encourage you to remember how big the God we serve is. Your victory doesn’t depend on your strength, but on the greatness of our God. I pray this give you a different perspective and allows you to trust God as you go through this time.
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