Articles

This devotional based on 1 Samuel 16:7, reminds us that while people may look at our outward appearance and circumstances, God looks at our hearts and sees the purpose He has for us. Just as David was overlooked by others but chosen by God at the right time, our rejection and present circumstances cannot cancel God’s plan for our lives.

Just as Naomi moved when she heard of God’s goodness, we must act whenever God speaks—whether through a sermon, a song, Scripture, or a quiet prompting from the Holy Spirit. Some moments demand immediate action; others require steady, day-by-day obedience. Taking these steps in our own strength is impossible, but we are not meant to walk alone. The Holy Spirit is the One who creates within us both the desire and the ability to obey. You only need to yield, leaning into His grace for the
courage to step forward.

When you pray, it pleases God because it demonstrates your trust and your willingness to follow His direction. In doing so, you partner with God in prayer, allowing Him to release supernatural strategies and solutions for problems you cannot solve on your own. Therefore, do not carry alone what God is asking you to surrender to Him. Spread your situation before the Lord. Tell Him what you need, repent where necessary, and ask Him for wisdom, direction, protection, and intervention. As you seek Him, listen for His guidance. Once you receive His word, trust Him and watch Him supernaturally intervene...

Just as the Scripture says in 1 Samuel 17:20 that David carefully left his sheep with a keeper when his father asked him to visit his brothers, you too must first be faithful wherever God has currently placed you. Always stay humble and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Faithfully do even the smallest things the Lord directs you to do; that very obedience can become the pathway where the Lord opens a door to your greater destiny.

Daniel was working in Babylon—a secular system. He was not serving in the temple as a Levite, but in a secular government. Yet, never once do we see him complaining about his circumstances or grumbling about his position. He knew God had placed him there for a purpose, so he skillfully served foreign kings while keeping himself completely faithful to the Lord. This commitment earned him favor in the sight of God—who addressed Daniel as a "man greatly beloved" (Daniel 9:23)—and by God's grace, he was promoted to greater heights (Daniel 2:48).

Jesus—full of the Spirit and grounded in the Word—discerned the trap and countered with Scripture: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Notice that Jesus did not rely on His Jordan experience when confronting the devil; He wielded Scripture. And the enemy was defeated.

God can give us favor with the right people at the right time, speaking on our behalf to fulfill His divine purposes. Just as God transformed Saul into Paul and prepared Ananias to minister to him with open arms, may we also trust God with our past and present, knowing He is faithful to defend us and guide us into His promises.