Art Toombs Ministries 

Online Bible Commentary

1 Samuel 16:7 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…

10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 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.”

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. (NIV)

Almost twenty-five years ago my first son came along. There is something about having your first child that gets you thinking about your life.

Five years later God started to tug on me about serving people instead of myself. He gave me a thirst to be in the ministry. Soon I started praying for a full time ministry position.

But I had a family with three children by then and there was no money for seminary. Six years later and six months after graduating from seminary He answered my prayer with a full time ministry.

But inside I was the same person. I had no public speaking experience and frankly did not think I could do that. I was like Moses when God had to anoint his brother Aaron to speak for him. Only, I did not have an Aaron. But like David, the Holy Spirit gave me the power to do what I could not do on my own.

David was a perfect example of how God uses people to serve Him. Like me, David did not have a lot going for him. Unlike Saul he was not tall and impressive. All David had was heart. He had a willingness to serve God.

God recognized this in David and equipped him for what He was calling him to do. God never calls us without equipping us. The only ability we need is availability !