You May Be Overlooked, But You Are Chosen

You May Be Overlooked, But You Are Chosen

Let’s reflect on a very intriguing story—David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16:1–13. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, he asked Jesse to bring all his sons. Interestingly, David wasn’t invited. His own father excluded him from such a significant moment. Why?

The Bible doesn’t say exactly why David was left out. Perhaps Jesse thought David was too young, not important enough, or not ready for “serious business.” Maybe he assumed that only the older sons—men already trained for battle—could be considered worthy. Whatever the reason, David was overlooked.

But just because there was a reason doesn’t mean it was right.

The instruction was clear: bring all your sons. Yet David was left in the fields, tending sheep. Maybe you’ve experienced that too—being left out, passed over, not taken seriously. Maybe you’ve felt excluded because of your age, background, race, gender, or for reasons no one ever explained.

But rejection from man is not rejection from God.

In 1 Samuel 16:12, we see a powerful shift—God told Samuel, “This is the one; anoint him.” David was chosen. The one who was left out became the one God lifted up. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that you are a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”

God chooses you.
Just as David was chosen, anointed, and honored in front of his family and community, you are also seen and chosen by God.

Let’s look a little deeper into David’s life.

David was a shepherd, a worshipper, and a warrior. He didn’t complain about the work he was given—he was diligent. Whether feeding sheep, protecting them from danger, or running errands for his father, David gave it his all. He took every task seriously, no matter how small.

David didn’t become a warrior the day he faced Goliath. He had been preparing long before—defending the sheep from lions and bears, practicing with his sling, perfecting his aim. He trained in private before he triumphed in public.

Are you practicing your skills? Are you building your character?
Don’t wait for the big stage to show excellence. Serve faithfully, even when no one is watching. Your private preparation leads to public elevation.

David was also a worshipper. Many of the Psalms were born from his deep relationship with God. He poured out his heart in joy, sorrow, fear, and faith. He remained in God’s presence.

Who do you run to when life gets heavy?
David ran to God. His courage, strength, and wisdom were born out of that relationship.

Another key quality: David was courageous. He fought the lion and the bear before facing Goliath. He built up his faith step by step, challenge by challenge. Sometimes we think our gifts will only matter on big stages, but what are you doing when your audience is one—or none? How do you carry yourself when no one is clapping?

Always give your best. Never cut corners. People might laugh at you in the early stages, but when destiny unfolds, the same people will see your purpose clearly. David’s harp-playing and shepherding were mocked—but not when he killed Goliath and later became king.

So don’t be discouraged. Stay the course. Trust God.

David faced hardships—he was chased, displaced, misunderstood—but he never gave up. He trusted God through it all. And just like David, you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) created to do great works prepared in advance for you.

So here’s the call: