God does not see like us

It is very true that we do not see like God sees. Why do we say this? Because the human being sees at the physical and the preparation of others on a secular level, but the Lord sees in the depths of the heart and chooses people who according to men are not apt to occupy a certain position.

This truth is one of the most profound teachings found in Scripture, reminding us that God’s perspective is completely different from ours. While humans tend to classify others based on attributes such as appearance, education, or social status, God examines qualities that are invisible to the natural eye. He sees humility, integrity, sincerity, and a willingness to obey. Throughout biblical history, God repeatedly chose individuals who seemed insignificant to society but were precious in His sight. This shows that divine calling is not based on human standards but on divine purpose.

God calls the prophet Samuel and asks him how long he will cry King Saul. Then He tells the prophet to fill his horn and go to Jesse of Bethlehem, because one of the sons of that man was to be anointed as king:

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

God does not see like us

Samuel had invested much of his heart in Saul’s leadership, and seeing his downfall surely filled him with sadness. Yet God reminds him that His plans continue, even when human leadership fails. Samuel needed to move forward and obey, because God was about to raise someone unexpected. Many times we also remain anchored to what God has already closed, unable to perceive the new that He wants to bring into our lives. This passage teaches us that obedience is the key to witnessing God’s next move.

Jesse never thought that God had chosen one of his sons as king. But something we want to highlight in this story is this: When Samuel went to Jesse and saw the sons of Jesse, he looked at each one’s appearance and said to himself, “This is the anointed of the Lord.” But God told him not to look at appearances:

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

7 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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:6

In the same way, each of Jesse’s children was passing before the prophet and all were rejected. But at that time there was not the least of them, the humble shepherd of sheep:

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.”

1 Samuel 16:11

This detail is incredibly significant. David was not even invited to the gathering. His own family did not consider him important enough to present before the prophet. This shows how easily people can overlook those whom God esteems. While everyone else was focused on appearance, strength, and preparation, God was watching a young man who, in the solitude of the fields, had learned to worship, to trust, and to depend on Him. David did not need an audience to be faithful — his character was formed away from the spotlight.

David came, the shepherd of sheep, the best, the forgotten, rejected by his brothers but chosen by God:

12 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.”

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:12-13

David’s anointing reveals a powerful truth: God’s promotion does not depend on human approval. His brothers may have dismissed him, but God had seen his heart during long nights of prayer, songs of worship, and fierce battles against lions and bears. Those hidden moments prepared him for a destiny no one imagined. Likewise, there are seasons in our lives where we feel unnoticed or undervalued, but God is using those moments to form character, strength, and faith. Nothing done in secret for God is ever wasted.

While David’s brothers were trained men of war, who could humanly occupy the position of king, God chose that shepherd of sheep that was forgotten by all, but that was being trained in the mountains, protecting sheep from bears and other beasts. May this story serve to remind us that God has a vision very different from ours.

This story also teaches us that what seems small to others may be great before the Lord. David’s time as a shepherd looked insignificant to society, yet it was precisely in that stage where God built in him the courage, tenderness, discipline, and dependence that every true leader needs. Leadership in God’s kingdom is not about outward strength but inward devotion. God chooses people formed in humility because He knows that only the humble can carry His glory without pride.

Therefore, whenever we feel disqualified in the eyes of men or underestimated by those around us, we must remember that God does not see as man sees. His calling is based on purpose, not appearance. His election is based on destiny, not reputation. Just like David, many believers are being prepared in hidden places, away from applause, but under the watchful and loving eyes of God. And at the right time, He will call them, anoint them, and position them exactly where He wants them to be.