The Unlikely King

David probably couldn’t have imagined what his life would become.

He likely had no grand visions of royalty or power. In a culture that prized brawn, strength, and warrior skills, David was different—small, smart, sensitive, and musically gifted. His own father didn’t even consider him worthy enough to stand before the prophet Samuel, a telling sign of how David was perceived.

But it wasn’t just his father’s opinion; it was the culture of the time.

Even God’s prophet Samuel initially gravitated toward Saul, and then almost chose David’s older brother, based on physical appearance and stature. This reflects a broader societal preference for outward strength and appearance. Yet, God had other plans, plans that defied human expectations and cultural norms.

Key Insight: What if your purpose is to be God’s provision?

Thank God that our limited perceptions of ourselves don’t negate His divine plans for us. Our thoughts may be constrained by what we see and experience, but God’s thoughts for us are infinitely higher. He isn’t concerned with what seems right to human eyes; His purposes prevail regardless of how far-fetched they might appear.

We often call God our Provider, and while we usually think of provision in terms of material needs, God is also a provider of people. In 1 Samuel 16:1, God says to Samuel, “I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” David wasn’t just a random choice—he was God’s provision for Israel, the proof of God’s character and His ability to see beyond the surface to the heart. Understand this:

Just as He provided David to be king, He has provided you to fulfill a specific purpose in this world. You are not an afterthought; you are a testament to God’s careful planning and His faithfulness to His promises.

The Emergence of Gifts Through Anointing:
It wasn’t until David was anointed by Samuel and the Spirit of God came upon him that his true gifts began to emerge. Before the anointing, David is described as young, ruddy, and silent—almost invisible in the grand scheme of things. But after the anointing, David becomes a man of valor, prudent in speech, a man of war, and someone with a commanding presence. This transformation was not a result of human effort but of divine empowerment.

David’s newfound strength wasn’t something he developed on his own—it was a direct result of the Spirit of God upon him. We learn that he was able to defeat lions, tigers, and bears, not because of his natural abilities, but because of the Spirit’s power working through him. This shows us that…

His plans for you are fueled by His Spirit, capable of bringing out strengths and gifts you never knew you had.

What It Means for Us: God’s Thoughts Are Higher

Just like David, you may feel overlooked or underestimated by others—or even by yourself. But God sees you differently. His thoughts and plans for you transcend human expectations and cultural norms. Where others might see limitations, God sees potential. Where you see obstacles, God sees opportunities for His power to be made manifest.

David wasn’t perfect—far from it. Yet his life is a testament to God’s ability to use flawed people to accomplish His divine purposes. If you ever doubt this, just take a moment to read through the Psalms or look up David’s story. His life is proof that God’s greatness for you is not bound by your limitations.

That said, it’s important to recognize the danger of sin—not just to yourself, but to your calling and to those you are called to serve. Sin can derail your journey, cause harm to others, and create obstacles that God never intended for you to face. Therefore, fight the good fight of faith, striving to live a life that honors God.

But remember:

God uses imperfect people, so don’t let your flaws hold you back from pursuing the purpose He has for you.

Steps to Take: Embrace Your Divine Purpose

· Recognize Your Worth: Understand that you are God’s provision, just as David was. Your life has a divine purpose that transcends human understanding or societal expectations.

· Seek God’s Anointing: Just as David was anointed and empowered by the Spirit of God, seek God’s anointing in your life. Pray for His Spirit to fill you and bring forth the gifts and strengths He has placed within you.

· Trust in God’s Timing: David’s rise to kingship didn’t happen overnight. There were years of preparation, trials, and growth. Trust that God’s timing is perfect and that He is preparing you for the purpose He has set before you.

· Don’t Be Discouraged by Setbacks: David faced many challenges, from being overlooked by his own family to being hunted by Saul. But these setbacks didn’t stop God’s plan. Similarly, don’t let challenges or mistakes discourage you. God’s purpose for you is greater than any obstacle.

Scriptural Guidance: God’s Perspective Versus Man’s

The Bible is filled with examples of God choosing the unlikely, the overlooked, and the underestimated to fulfill His purposes.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." This scripture highlights the vast difference between human perception and God’s vision. Where others see only the outside, God sees the heart, the potential, and the purpose He has placed within you.

Isaiah 55:8-9 further reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This passage encourages us to trust in God’s perspective, even when we don’t understand His plans.

Romans 11:29 assures us, "For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance." This means that God does not revoke His calling or gifts, even when we stumble. His purpose for you remains, regardless of your past mistakes or current struggles.

Finally, Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." No matter how uncertain or challenging your journey may seem, God is working everything together for your good and His glory.

Your Challenge: Step Into Your Anointing

This week, reflect on the areas of your life where you feel underestimated or overlooked. Remember that God’s anointing can bring forth gifts and strengths you never knew you had.

Pray for the Spirit of God to fill you and guide you into the purpose He has for your life. Pray consistently for seven days, asking God to reveal and activate the gifts and callings that may be hidden even from you.

Write out the gifts and callings that the Lord reveals to you, as well as the ones you are aware of and walk in currently, and then create a plan for how you will step into them or use them in the next week, the next month, the next quarter, and the next year.

Trust that, like David, you are God’s provision for a specific purpose, and step confidently into your anointing.

Final Thought: God’s Provision in You

You are not just another person in the crowd—you are God’s provision, chosen and anointed for a divine purpose. Just as David’s greatness emerged through God’s anointing, your gifts and purpose will be revealed as you seek and trust in Him. Embrace who God has called you to be, and watch as He uses you to accomplish things far beyond your imagination.