Limited Vision
People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:17
When a good friend of mine was hired as the Director of Nursing of a large hospital, she was shocked. She said, “I interviewed but never really thought I would be chosen!” She went on to list all the reasons she was not qualified. I told her she had two very important qualifications - she cared deeply about patients and she encouraged and worked well with all of her colleagues.
I am sure she would never compare her selection to that of David, but many of us do know something about being an “unlikely” choice. If so, we are in good company.
I am sure that God has a sense of humor, and I know that He sees far beyond what we see. As Samuel came looking for a king, he was initially impressed by appearance and height. Even David’s father hadn’t bothered to call David in from the fields to appear before Samuel. It was only after all the other sons had been seen and passed by that Jesse sent for David—and God directed Samuel to anoint this young shepherd as the future king of Israel.
These verses remind me that God is the great director—not me. I can be challenged to see others as God sees them. The outward appearance, or certain characteristics, can get in my way of seeing as God would have me see. I pray for God’s vision, and I pray that He prompts me to recognize the people that He plans to work through to build His kingdom. I pray that God will enable us to see the beauty and value of all people as He does.
Dear God, please forgive us when our sight is limited and prejudicial in any way. Be our vision, we pray today and always! In Jesus’ name, Amen.