1 Samuel chapter 16 verses 10-12 (NIV)
Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
Jesse had eight sons. He’d been asked by Samuel to present his sons before him. Samuel was both prophet and a leader. The elders of Bethlehem were filled with trepidation when he arrived, and asked if he came in peace. His authority was known, as I imagine too would be the sense of God that he carried. Yet Jesse thought his youngest son to be of so little consequence, that he was never even invited to the feast.
But David was God’s man. The opinion of others, even David’s own family, was of no consequence to God. God’s plans for him would not be thwarted.
People may feel that we are of little consequence in the grand scheme of things, but God’s plans for us too will not be thwarted by others. So let’s not allow things, especially people’s opinions of us, get in the way.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the encouragement that these verses are. I’m grateful that You know the plans You have for me, and they are good and right, no matter what others think. Amen.