The Athlete's Challenge: Old Testament HeroesSample

Devotional:

Ready:

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.'” -- 1 Samuel 16:7, CSB

Set:

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Yogi Berra stood at 5’7”. He hit 358 home runs and won 10 championship rings with the Yankees. Spud Webb is also 5’7”. He won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Barry Sanders is 5’8”. He won the Heisman Trophy and was the most elusive runner in NFL history.

While we don’t know of King David’s precise measurements, what we do know is that he was the youngest brother in his big family. He was overlooked and underestimated. However, he had a big heart that beat for God’s glory. He was a skilled musician for God’s praise. He was courageous for God’s name on the battlefield. He was victorious for God’s people against enemies. But despite all that, he was still human; imperfect. He made many mistakes and committed grievous sins.

I’m glad you can’t judge a book by its cover. Almost no one would have chosen David. Certainly, no one would have chosen Jesus. What matters most to God is not the size of your measurements but the size of your heart for Him.

As competitors, we may be tempted to only focus on the measurables, height, or might. But if we look beyond the surface, as God does us, we can be empowered. In the end, we all need a king whose heart is perfectly in-tune with the heart of God, rather than a king who looks or seems all mighty or powerful. We need a king who will not disappoint us. We need a loving, sacrificial, conquering, saving king. And when we take on His heart, then all things become possible.

Go:

1. Your heart is who you are on the inside. It’s who you really are. Who are you?
2. Has God removed your selfish heart and replaced it with a worshipful heart? If so, offer a prayer of gratitude to Him right now.
3. What are some ways for you to enlarge your heart for God and develop a heart that beats daily for His glory?