God Uses the Unlikely

*This devo goes along with our sermon series Faith - A Journey through Doubt, which can be watched here

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

When Samuel went to anoint Israel’s next king, he looked at Eliab and thought, “This must be the one.” But God said, “Nope.” Seven times, Samuel assumed the next king must be one of Jesse’s strong, qualified sons. Only when David — the forgotten shepherd boy — was called in from the fields did God say, “That’s the one.”

David was the least likely in his family. Overlooked. Undervalued. Yet God chose him because of his heart. Pastor Cory reminded us that God specializes in using people who seem unqualified to accomplish His will. Why? Because they lean on Him, not their resume.

Maybe you feel like others have passed you by. Maybe you’ve told yourself you’re “just” a student, “just” a parent, “just” a volunteer. But hear this: there’s no such thing as “just” in God’s kingdom. Your role is essential. Your calling matters.

When God looks at you, He doesn’t see limitations — He sees potential. He sees someone He created on purpose and for a purpose. He doesn’t choose the obvious. He chooses the willing.

Prayer: God, thank You for seeing beyond what others see. When I feel overlooked or unqualified, remind me that You see my heart. Use me to accomplish what only You can do through someone like me. Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide