7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
The prophet Samuel was given the task of finding the next king of Israel after Saul. Similar to how we draft our pick-up teams, he was looking only at the physical size and ability of the men in front of him. God had a different measurement in mind and eventually guides him to a small shepherd boy named David. Maybe you’ve heard of David and Goliath? The first true underdog and “Cinderella” story ever.
This is typical when it comes to our God. While the world worships those with great size and ability, God uses those who love and depend on Him for the purposes of His Kingdom. We are consumed with jealousy and insecurity because we compare our physical ability and appearance with those around us. All the while, God is patiently waiting for us to believe that He can “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20).
Don’t hear me wrong. Your size, strength, ability, and so on, are all gifts from our gracious God; however, what He desires to redeem and use is your heart. He longs to see you play for His glory rather than your own. The reality is when we place Him on the throne of our life, every day and every game becomes one with eternal significance. This means that whether you are the strongest or weakest person on your team, God is looking for a willing and surrendered heart to use for His eternal glory.
- Ask God to reveal any comparison or jealousy in your life. Receive His forgiveness.
- Pray that God would continue to redeem your heart for His purposes.
- Ask God to show you ways you can glorify Him on and off the field/court.
