Lessons from David

“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

David was not the obvious choice. He wasn’t the tallest, the strongest, or the one anyone expected to be picked for greatness. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, David was not even invited to the lineup. He was out in the fields tending sheep while his older brothers stood in front of Samuel. But God wasn’t looking for appearance or age or status. He was looking for something deeper. He was looking at the heart.

That one moment should remind you that you do not have to be seen by others to be chosen by God. David was faithful in the field before he was ever anointed with oil. He worshiped when no one was watching. He protected sheep when no one was applauding. He was developing courage, character, and faith long before he had a title.

You might be in a season where you feel overlooked or underused. You might be wondering if your faithfulness even matters. But it does. God sees it all. He saw David in the field, and He sees you right where you are. And just like David, the same God who chose you is preparing you.

Later in life, David would fight giants, lead armies, write songs of praise, and even fall hard into sin. But through it all, the Lord kept working with him. Because from the beginning, David had a heart that kept coming back to God. That is what made him a man after God's own heart.

Whether you are facing your own Goliath or just serving quietly in your field, know that God is not done writing your story. Stay faithful in the small things. Keep your heart soft before Him. You may not be the obvious choice in the eyes of the world, but you were never chosen by the world to begin with. You were chosen by God. And He finishes what He starts.