Today’s Bible Verse
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
God Looks at the Heart
Earlier in this chapter, we read that the Lord sends Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons, whom He had chosen. Samuel has his expectations and thoughts regarding which one of the sons might be the chosen one. As Jesse has his sons pass one by one in front of Samuel, he hears the Lord reject each one of them. After inquiring further, Samuel finds out that one last son has not been presented just yet, a “ruddy boy with a fine appearance and handsome features,” his name, David. David was “just” a shepherd boy who played the harp, but even if he didn’t have the appearance of his brothers, God was looking at his heart. David ended up being a great warrior and a man after God’s own heart, who defeated Goliath by the power of God.
How many times have you come across something that you felt you couldn’t do? Or how many times have you felt like you were not qualified? We are all called by God, by name, for a purpose. When others may think you can’t because you don’t have the appearance or qualifications, God says, “this is the one I have chosen.” He is not interested in what the world says; He qualifies the called. (Sergio Tarin)
Change My Story
A few years ago, there was an opening for a job position at the company where I am employed. Said position would be a promotion. This position would come with a company vehicle, company credit card, and of course, a nice hourly raise with a great flexible schedule. Although I had no degrees or certifications in that field, I knew I could learn the job and be great at it too.
It was known throughout the company that many people had applied for this much-desired position. After finding out that over 100 people applied for this position, my wife and I prayed for God’s will to be done, and we released it all to Him. Out of the 100 applicants that applied, 50 of us made it to to the second phase, the interview.
I can only imagine that just as Jesse would bring each one of his sons in front of Samuel, the interviews must’ve played out similarly. The person who interviewed me said, “Out of 100 resumes and 50 interviews, it would be foolish not to give you the position.” I walked out of the interview, and the next day, I received a phone call notifying me that I got the job!
I am happy to report I’m still in this position. I am part of exclusive meetings with the CEO, engineers, and other industry leaders, where my input is considered for equipment purchases company-wide. When God chooses you and calls you, He equips you. He is not looking at the outward appearance; He looks at your heart and your willingness to do what He calls you to do.
Today’s Declaration
People may look at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Today, I choose to trust God that He has not only called me but also equipped me to do what He set me on assignment to complete.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 28-29; Psalms 148
- New Testament: Luke 12:22-34; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
