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In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel initially assumes Eliab must be God’s choice. The message uses Samuel’s mistake to confront the mental shortcuts and first impressions that can keep people from recognizing God’s work.
Do not anchor to the appearance of the answer
An early impression can become an anchor that resists better information. The church is challenged to release the assumptions that make an obvious-looking answer seem like the only answer God can use.
Look beneath the surface
God told Samuel not to judge by appearance because God looks at the heart. Believers are called to stop dismissing people, assignments, and possibilities before they have seen what God is forming underneath.
Look at it again
What once appeared small or insignificant may be the next move of God. Waiting, listening, and looking again can reveal an assignment that initial bias could not see.
Sermon Quote
“Stop anchoring to the appearance of the answer.”
Sermon Quote
“Look at it again because what you thought was nothing might be the next move of God.”
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