You Can Do Anything
Always keep your head up high; never bow it down. Meet the world eye-to-eye, with an unwavering gaze. Helen Keller
Many times, we judge based on appearance and miss God’s perspective entirely. I’m guilty of this every day, even when I assess myself. In the mirror, I might see someone too inexperienced to lead or someone who missed opportunities out of fear, ignoring God’s guidance.
At times, I observe a man who appears too fatigued and weary to persevere, yet that’s not God’s perspective. He peers beyond outward appearances to discern inner strength—a person who persists even when faced with “no,” pushing harder to achieve. Someone equipped with the skills to pursue any goal they desire.
He perceives the person He created—the individual He molded me to be. God exhibited the same care when He anointed David as king.
If we revisit a few verses in 1 Samuel Chapter 16, we see Samuel’s expectation that Jesse’s eldest son would become king, likely for specific reasons.
He possessed strength, and notable features, and outwardly fit the role perfectly. However, Samuel couldn’t discern his personality. Similarly, we often can’t grasp someone else’s personality until we’ve spent several days with them.
When God said, “Not this one,” I imagine Samuel felt a bit let down. He assessed all of Jesse’s children, only to hear God say, “Not this one,” for each one of them.
Samuel then inquired, “Do you have any other children?” Jesse responded, “There is one more; he is out in the field tending the flocks.” They sent for David, described in the Bible as “ruddy” and later as “God-like” as well.
Yet, God never judges a book by its cover. Why then do we judge both ourselves and others based on appearances?
Have you ever noticed someone in a suit and immediately assumed they must be important? Conversely, have you ever seen someone in worn-out jeans and an old T-shirt and felt relieved not to be like them?
In a recent book I read, the author shared an encounter with one of the key investors in Pixar animation. He noted that the investor had small holes in his pants near the calves, two on each side of both legs.
He remarked, “This man owns a significant share of Pixar, yet he strolls around with holes in his pants. If I were him, I’d simply buy new ones.” However, as he grew closer to Steve Jobs, he understood that while Jobs valued appearance, those small holes didn’t define him.
Those holes appeared because Steve habitually pulled up his socks throughout the day, using that spot to grab hold of them. Our external appearance doesn’t alter God’s plans for us or what He wants us to accomplish.
Have you ever judged yourself solely based on your outward appearance? I used to stand in front of the mirror and repeat, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not capable enough.” To be frank, those thoughts held me back from starting my own business for years—I didn’t believe I was “good enough” for it. Do you listen to God’s voice telling you that you can achieve anything, or do you let your inner critic keep you stuck because of feelings of inadequacy?
Today is your chance to make things happen!
Rise, face the mirror, and behold the authentic person God has sculpted you to be. The vibrant, outgoing, stunning individual he envisioned has been within you all along, much like David’s potential was always present. Today, I challenge you to embark on a new experience, something you’ve never dared to do before.
Choose anything you’ve never attempted before, regardless of what it is. As for me, I plan to write a letter to myself detailing my strengths and reasons why I can succeed. It might seem unconventional, but trust me, it can be effective. Give it a try!
The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
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