“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
Throughout scripture we see examples of God transforming people’s lives. God not only sees areas in our heart that need change, He also sees qualities and attributes that we may not be aware we possess.
Judges 6-7 is a narration regarding Gideon. To avoid being seen by the Midianites, Gideon was processing his wheat in hiding. In man’s eyes Gideon may have looked like a coward, but God saw him differently. God sent an angel who appeared to Gideon and called him a valiant, brave, courageous man. (Judges 6:12) Gideon did not see himself as brave, but saw himself only as inadequate. (Judges 6:15) However, Gideon chose to believe what God had said about him, and with God’s help he was able to defeat the Midianite army and become the man God created him to be.
The life of Moses is depicted in the book of Exodus. Moses was eighty years old, filled with fear, unable to speak clearly and a murderer. These are characteristics that would not seem to qualify him as a leader of a nation, yet God selected him to bring three million people out from captivity into God’s “ Promised Land.” Moses saw himself as a failure, but El Roi looked into his heart and saw a leader.
Paul is first mentioned in the book of Acts. He was an educated Jew who was determined to rid the world of Christianity and was responsible for the persecution and death of many Christians. How could this man end up writing thirteen books in the New Testament and preaching the Gospel throughout the world? I believe God examined Paul’s heart and saw faithfulness, humility, and compassion. God knew that Paul would obey Him even unto death. In Acts 9:15 Jesus said, “ Paul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”
Gideon, Moses, and Paul each were unaware of the true condition of their hearts. As they submitted to God, their lives were changed forever.
1 Peter 5:10 says, “ the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].
Father, we thank You for being able to see into the depths of our hearts. We submit our hearts to You to be changed into who You have created us to be.
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