1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

At this point in time, God has rejected Saul from reigning over Israel due to his disobedience, and He has now commanded Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king. Eliab was the first son presented to Samuel, and based solely on appearance, Samuel immediately declared that Eliab must be the one. However, the Lord informed Samuel that He was using different qualifications: Man focuses on outward, superficial appearances, whereas God looks directly into the heart. 

So Jesse proceeded to present six other sons, overlooking his youngest, and the Lord selected none.  Jesse, like Samuel, made conclusions based on man’s standards and neglected to present his youngest son, David, whom he thought was the least likely candidate. David, though, was God’s choice because God saw that David’s heart sought to honor Him. David was anointed that day and served the Lord for decades. Are you hesitating to step out in service to God because you do not think that you are qualified? By what standard are you assessing yourself? God does not use us based on external appearances or capabilities; He uses us based on the condition of our hearts. If God is truly reigning in our hearts, and if we are willing to be a living sacrifice in service to Him, then there is no limit to how he can use our life.

Pastor Jeff Mericle