POST 9: When You Feel Underestimated
POST 9
When You Feel Underestimated
Imagine being the youngest boy in a family full of boys. Competition and comparison are common as each son tries to prove he is the best and strongest and fastest.
If you’ve heard the story of David and Goliath, then you probably know David was underestimated. David was young and small. When he visited his older brothers on the battlefield and questioned why none of the soldiers would go up against Goliath, the larger-than-life Philistine warrior, people wondered what his aim was. “You can’t fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”
Just a youth. Has anyone made a similar comment to you?
“You’re just a teenager.”
“You’re just a girl.”
“You’re just an academic kid.”
“You’re just an athlete.”
If so, you’re in good company. David, too, was underestimated, but he proved them all wrong when he defeated Goliath with a slingshot (and, of course, the power of the Lord).
David’s Backstory
When we look back at David’s story, we see that he was underestimated long before he dared to face Goliath. In 1 Samuel 16:4–13, the prophet Samuel is on the lookout for a new king. The Lord directs him to Bethlehem, where he finds Jesse, father of eight boys. Eight!
Jesse presents his boys to Samuel to see if one is worthy to be king—starting with the oldest and biggest, naturally. Samuel looks at each and then asks Jesse if he’s sure he doesn’t have any more sons, since none of the initial seven presented were chosen.
It’s almost as if Jesse forgot he had an eighth son. Or perhaps he didn’t think it was worth it to present David; after all, he is the youngest and he’s just a shepherd. But these words spoken by the Lord to Samuel tell us everything we need to know about underestimating people: “Do not look at his appearance or his stature . . . for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart” (v. 7 CSB).
As soon as David is presented to Samuel, God makes it clear that David is the chosen one. Samuel anoints David, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully on him. From there, David goes on to defeat Goliath and one day becomes king.
No one thought that young David, the poet out tending sheep in the pasture, would be the next king of Israel. He was underestimated, but it didn’t matter because God had a different plan.
There will be times when you will be underestimated as well. People will think you don’t have what it takes.
But your potential is not measured by their perceptions. When you lean into what you were created to do and allow the Spirit of the Lord to work powerfully within you, there’s no telling what might happen.
Underestimating people is really underestimating what God can do in people. Since we serve a great and powerful God who can work through anyone, we better stop underestimating and start prayerfully considering how we will participate in the work God is doing!
READING GOD’S WORD
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his [Eliab’s] appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
[Jesus said,] “Consider a mustard seed. When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of all the seeds on the earth; but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all vegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nest in its shade.” (Mark 4:31–32)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Journaling Questions
Have you ever been underestimated? How did that experience make you feel?
David was underestimated when he went to face Goliath. To the naysayers he said, “Your servant has fought both lions and bears. . . . The LORD . . . who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears, will rescue me from the power of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:36–37). What would it look like for you to have this kind of confidence in the Lord’s help?
How might knowing that God has a direction for your life help you have confidence when you feel underestimated by others?
God, there have been times I’ve felt underestimated. There will be more times when I feel underestimated in the future. When those situations come up, remind me that my worth and potential come from you. Help me not to underestimate myself but to allow space for you to work powerfully in and through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Are you feeling discouraged because someone has underestimated you? Write yourself a note reminding yourself how much God believes in you.
THE TAKEAWAY
Underestimating people is underestimating God. Believe God can work through you even when others—or you—don’t believe it.