The story of David and Goliath is often narrated as an example of an underdog beating a stronger opponent.  Or that God divinely intervened to ensure a miracle.  

While those interpretations may hold weight, I see things differently.  You see, the only person on the Israeli side that could conceivably defeat Goliath was David.  You cannot defeat a much greater strength with conventional strength that is lesser by itself.   Any other soldier would have been beaten mercilessly.

It takes a shepherd boy trained with a slingshot to win the day.  That was the only real play.  Several years ago, Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female tennis player of all time, faced an unheralded opponent in the final of a major tournament.  No one gave her opponent a chance.  Williams’ game was powerful, she served in the triple digits in terms of miles an hour.  Her opponent served at a much slower speed.

Williams lost.

Her opponent, coached brilliantly, returned every serve and volley in a slow and soft manner, dropping shots so that Williams would have to run a distance to meet them.  Williams did not adapt, hitting the ball harder and harder only to be repeatedly frustrated.  Worn out, she graciously accepts defeat.

This is a timeless and timely lesson.