What you see is different to what God sees

"So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
7But 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 16:6-7   NKJV

Things are not always what they seem. Samuel had come to anoint one of the sons of Jesse. But every time Samuel looked at one of Jesse's sons the Lord showed him that this was not the one. Samuel had been certain when he looked at Eliab - a strong, strapping guy -  that he must be the one but God told him that he was not, because God looks at the heart not the muscles. This reminded me of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 4:18:

'Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  18while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal'.

We often judge a book by its cover; publishers insist on an eye-catching cover. However, this is not always helpful. A cover does attract readers but, they may not always be satisfied with the content. This is what God was showing Samuel that day as he looked to anoint a king for Israel. In the end, Samuel was led to a young shepherd boy. God told Samuel to anoint this boy, who we know as David and as he anointed him, the Spirit of the Lord fell. 

David may not have looked like a king should look but, God saw in him what the others didn't have, and although Samuel, and others couldn't see this initially, they saw this mighty young warrior in action later on.

We may look at someone and feel that there is nothing about them that is special. Someone may have looked at you and thought the same. However, God looked and He chose you because He could see right into your very soul. He knows best. 

Remember that when you see someone who all of a sudden appears to be in the limelight, preaching, teaching and being turned into a Person of God. You may not think so, but God knows best. He knew best when others were totally against you. God saw in you that special something. Think about that!

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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