“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.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7
God Looks at the Heart
As we think about God choosing leaders, we see that His criteria are different from ours. We often glance at external characteristics—appearance, education, or social standing. However, the Bible reminds us that God sees beyond these superficial traits. In 1 Samuel 16:7, we learn that God’s focus is the heart of a person. It makes us reflect on our own hearts and how they align with God’s purposes. Are we serving from a genuine place? This understanding requires us to evaluate our intentions and motivations in seeking leadership or even in following leaders. It’s not about our status but about our authenticity and willingness to honor God in all we do. We should aim for hearts that are humble, faithful, and aligned with God’s will.
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.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Deuteronomy 17:15
“You must appoint a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your fellow Israelites. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not an Israelite.” – Deuteronomy 17:15
1 Chronicles 28:4
“Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah as leader, and from the tribe of Judah He chose my family, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.” – 1 Chronicles 28:4
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
Leadership Through Trials
God often prepares leaders through trials and hardships. Many of our biblical heroes faced significant challenges before they could lead effectively. These experiences refine our character and teach us dependence on God. They equip us to lead others with empathy and strength. When God chooses us, it often comes with preparation that includes trials. In Psalm 119:71, we read about how affliction can lead to spiritual growth, reminding us that even difficult situations can have divine purpose in our lives. Any leader who has stumbled should remember that these times are pivotal opportunities for growth and to develop resilience and reliance on God. We can encourage one another in this journey, recognizing that God is with us in our challenges, shaping us for the tasks He calls us to undertake.
Psalm 119:71
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” – Psalm 119:71
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
God’s Sovereignty in Leadership
Understanding God’s sovereignty can bring us great comfort, especially when we witness troubling leadership in our world. God remains in control, and all leaders are ultimately under His authority. In Romans 13:1, we read that there is no authority except that which God has established. This serves as a reminder that every leadership positioning comes with divine oversight. As followers of Christ, we can trust that God orchestrates events according to His divine plan. By recognizing His sovereignty, we can encourage our communities to support leaders who align with His ways while praying for those who may not. We must always seek God’s wisdom in recognizing true leadership born out of His divine purpose.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” – Proverbs 21:1
Daniel 2:21
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:21
Isaiah 40:23-24
“He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.” – Isaiah 40:23-24
Isaiah 45:1
“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut.” – Isaiah 45:1
Lessons from Biblical Leaders
Every leader in the Bible has unique qualities and lessons we can learn from. Moses, David, Esther, and others show us how God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. By studying their lives, we glean valuable insights into how God guides leaders. Moses’ humility and dependence on God during the Exodus teach us to lean on God in our responsibilities. Esther’s bravery demonstrates how standing up for justice and mercy can inspire rapid change. Each of their stories reveals traits that make a leader impactful and worthy of respect. In our own lives, we should be inspired by these examples of courage, devotion, and righteousness. Through them, we learn that being chosen by God means taking on great responsibilities that advance His kingdom.
Moses: Exodus 3:10
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
David: Acts 13:22
“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” – Acts 13:22
Esther: Esther 4:14
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14
Paul: Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Solomon: 1 Kings 3:9
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9
Prayer for Leadership
Prayer is a vital tool for leaders and those who support them. God calls us to prayer for those in authority over us. Through heartfelt prayer, we can advocate for wisdom, integrity, and guidance for our leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are encouraged to pray for those in authority, showcasing how vital it is for a believer’s walk to embrace this spiritual discipline. We can join together in prayer, seeking God’s will to be done as leadership decisions are made. Together, let us lift our leaders up, trusting that God hears our requests and acts according to His sovereign plan. When we pray for our leaders, we cultivate a spirit of unity while striving for a world reflecting the traits of godly leadership.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Luke 6:12-13
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.” – Luke 6:12-13
Shepherding as Leadership
God sets our leaders to be shepherds of His people. This metaphor appears throughout Scripture, reminding us that true leadership is rooted in care, guidance, and protection for others. Jesus exemplified this as the Good Shepherd, reflecting how leaders should tend to their flock. In John 10:11, we learn about the selflessness required in shepherding, which is foundational for any leadership role. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to act as shepherds, ensuring that each person feels valued and cared for. This model of leadership encourages us to prioritize compassion as we support others. Let us work together to cultivate an environment where everyone feels like they belong, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions.
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
Psalms 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – Psalms 23:1-3
1 Peter 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3
Ezekiel 34:11-12
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.” – Ezekiel 34:11-12
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of God choosing leaders, we are reminded of the sacred responsibility it entails. Each leader has been set apart for a purpose that calls for reliance on God. We can take comfort that God’s plan includes trials, lessons from biblical examples, and opportunities for growth through prayer. We are encouraged to recognize true leadership through the heart and Christlike shepherding, understanding that every leadership call reflects God’s divine order.
Let us continue to lift our leaders in prayer and support them as they fulfill their roles. Together, we can pursue God’s purpose and promote an environment that mirrors His love and wisdom. If you are curious about how to apply God’s purpose in your life, consider checking out Bible verses about fulfilling God’s purpose and Bible verses about fulfilling God’s plan for more insight.
As we trust in God’s sovereignty, we can look forward to seeing our communities flourish under His guidance and leadership.