Have you noticed how we’re naturally drawn to the most obvious or popular choice?
We admire and support people who are expected to win, whether in leadership, at work, or even in church—often ignoring warning signs. Or worse, missing the warnings completely. Yet God chooses beyond the spotlight. He is not influenced by popularity or appearances. Don’t be surprised if He rejects the obvious choice. He selects people with humble spirits and gives them the strength they need for His purposes.
Not the Obvious Choice
A similar pattern appears in sports, especially on NFL Draft Day when athletes’ dreams of playing professional football loom before them. College football players await their fate with anticipation and nervousness. By this stage, teams and fans hotly debate the expected top picks. Competition intensifies as every team wants the first choice, and the most sought-after player enjoys attention while enduring pressure. By the end of draft day, scenes of celebration and disappointment unfold.
The movie Draft Day illustrates this tension well. The Cleveland Browns’ manager, Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner), faces the pressure and expectations that come with draft day. He navigates conflicts, family dynamics, and tough decisions, relying on intuition and gradually seeing the full picture. In many ways, the story mirrors real life.
To observers—trainers, coaches, players, and fans—Sonny’s decision seems simple. His team can choose the top draft pick for a competitive edge. But when the Browns’ selection is announced, Sonny surprises everyone by choosing a different player.
Fallout from the Decision
Sonny passes over the favored player, following his gut over expectation. A firestorm results. Why would he do reject the obvious choice? What did he see that others missed? As the drama intensifies, teams scramble: stick to plans or choose the now-available star? One by one, others pass, leaving the top player in unexpected limbo.
I watched as the drama unfolded and thought about a popular saying: God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
An Anointed Future
Something similar happened in 1 Samuel 16. The prophet Samuel visits Jesse’s home, poised to anoint the son God has chosen as the future king of Israel. One by one, Jesse’s sons are presented as candidates. Yet, with each son, God is silent in refusal. Even Jesse’s firstborn son, Eliab, the obvious choice by traditional standards, fails to get God’s approval.
Finally, after six of Jesse’s sons were refused, David stood before Samuel. The youngest son, more familiar with the shepherd’s life than the strategies of war and leadership, emerged as a future king. What did David know about leading the Israelite people? Nothing. His subjects were sheep, and his kingdom the fields, mountains, and plains. Young, inexperienced, and humble, David didn’t look like a king, but God had already been preparing him for this purpose.
He Prepares the Called
Maybe you are wrestling with your own “draft day” experience. Or maybe you wonder, “Did God really call me to this?” Are you tempted to shrink back because you believe someone else seems like the obvious, popular choice? Be assured of these lessons:
- God selects for character and humility. The rugged environment, solitude, and even the dangers of shepherd life prepared David in strength and heart. His connection with the Lord shaped his character.
- God equips whom He calls. David’s kingship would require courage, strength, and keen decision-making. As a shepherd, David protected his flock from predators. As king, he courageously led his men into battles. God built the qualities he would need long before he wore a crown.
- God’s wisdom wins over popular opinion. God sees what we cannot. He always knows what is right, and we can have confidence in His leading, especially when popular opinion points in another direction.
The next time you think there is an obvious choice, someone who is more popular, and whom you think is better for the job, remember God selects for character and humility. He qualifies and equips us. And His perspective is always right.