“Do not consider his appearance or his height….. the LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” – 1 Samuel 16:7

In the passage we encounter the LORD speaking to the prophet Samuel as he considered Eliab, the oldest Son of Jesse (1 Sam. 17:13), to be the one appointed by God. However, God revealed to him that his focus at this time was on the inner disposition and character of the individual. God was looking for something inside the person that showed signs of greatness!

Others saw David as only a young shepherd boy (1 Sam 17:33) or a youthful troublemaker (1 Sam 17:28) but David did not let what others say or their perspectives prevent him from achieving greatness in his life. He allowed God’s power to be revealed in his life.

How others see you should not affect how you see yourself. Each of us have the potential for greatness! We just have to Trust in God and let him direct our steps (Proverbs 3:5). A pivotal part of this is not leaning to our desires but listening to God’s words which will help us to develop the confidence to step out where God wants you to be. Many of us think too little of ourselves or are not willing to put God to the test and remained shackled by the demotivating thoughts inflicted by ourselves or others. We facilitate doubt. One person said

“A Ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what ships were built for”.

I encourage you to work up that spirit for greatness within you and step out and release yourself (2 Tim. 1:7). It begins by taking that first step in Faith and then it becomes easier when more situations call for you to step out.