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Recognized By God

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. 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

Others may not recognize your potential or think you're important, but God does. Remember David? When others saw a shepherd boy, God saw a king! But before David could become king he had to overcome two obstacles: 1) his own family's failure to recognize him! When Samuel came looking for a king amongst Jesse's sons, David was excluded! Why? Because he was the youngest? Because his other brothers seemed more qualified? Because his father decided to put his best foot forward? 2) Samuel the prophet's failure to recognize him! When Samuel saw the oldest brother, Eliab, a general in King Saul's army, he thought: 'Surely the Lord's anointed stands here...' (1 Samuel 16:6). But God set Samuel straight: '...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' David's dilemma is a common one: many of us don't believe in ourselves because we weren't recognized or encouraged by our parents. You may be a great musician, but because nobody cared enough to give you music lessons when you were a child, you've given up on yourself. Or you've a real entrepreneurial gift, but you've always been put down for your 'foolish ideas' about how to do business. Maybe you've compromised your character and given up the dreams of your youth. If so, it's time to: a) reclaim who you are b) pray that God will open your eyes and put someone in your life who'll confirm what God's placed within you.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me realize that what’s most important is what YOU see me to be and what YOU want me to be. Help me know that discouragement and non-recognition is something, with your help, I can overcome. In Jesus’ Name, Amen