“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 (NKJV)

Have you ever been misjudged?  Have you ever been discouraged by well-meaning friends or associates?  Most of us have at one time or another in our lives.  If you haven’t yet, you will sooner or later.  It’s simply a part of growing and learning to be a “God-pleaser” instead of a “man-pleaser”.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 gives an awesome account of the destiny of King David, which makes me leap with joy with thoughts for my own life.    In this account, the Lord instructs Samuel to “fill your horn with oil and go….to Jesse the Bethlehemite.  For I have provided Myself a king among his sons” (vs. 1).    Samuel obeys the Lord and goes to Jesse.  Then the process begins…..

Jesse had six sons whom he brought to Samuel.  One by one they came – beginning with the oldest.  As each son stood before Samuel, his reply was the same:  “Neither has the Lord chosen this one”.  When all six had stood before Samuel and none chosen, Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?”  To which, Jesse replied, “There remains yet the youngest….”

1 Samuel 16:12 says:  “So he sent and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and good-looking.  And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is the one!”"

David was the most unlikely one to be chosen.  Truthfully, Jesse probably never gave any thought to David because he was the youngest son (only 15 years old) and the last in line. BUT GOD…..  You see, God’s plans are higher than our plans.  He knows all the details that we do not know! 

When others look at us, they see only who they think we are.  But when God looks at us, He sees who we truly are.  He sees the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly.  Most importantly, though, He sees who we will be when His anointing is poured into our lives.

 I’m reminded of a song that Sandi Patti used to sing titled “Shepherd Boy”.  The words to that song say: 

“So when others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king. Even though your life seems filled with ordinary things. In just a moment He can touch you, and everything will change.  When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king!”

If you’ve been struggling with “people approval” and have been discouraged by what someone else has said to you.  Let me encourage you today:  Don’t allow what others think or say to hold you back from fulfilling your destiny.  Focus on God’s Word for your life!  Hold on to the promises that He has spoken into your spirit! And keep at the forefront of your mind, “When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king!”