But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass before Samuel. But he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one, either.” Next Jesse had Shammah pass by. And he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one, either.” So Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the boys?” And he said, “The youngest is still left, but behold, he is tending the sheep.” So Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; for we will not take our places at the table until he comes here.” So he sent word and brought him in. Now he was reddish, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

Whose opinion do you value most? Everyone has opinions, but certain opinions are more important to us than others. We tend to value the thoughts of those who are influential and important to us or have some kind of authority in our lives. When God was choosing the next leader of Israel, He showed Samuel the way He thinks about people is different than us. He looks beyond the surface to see the heart.

We can do many external things to impress people and gain their favor, but God sees our heart even when it is hidden from others. He can use us even when we view ourselves as unlikely candidates. Whether we lead from a large platform with many people following us or a from a small influence with a few, God sees our heart and He is ready to use those who are fully committed to Him.

• What might God find in your heart? What are some things that you have wrestled with or struggled with recently?
• Who is a leader you know that leads with a heart devoted to God? How does that impact their leadership?
• Pray that God would continue to grow you and the leaders in your life in devotion to Him.