OVERLOOKED BUT ORDAINED

OVERLOOKED BUT ORDAINED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Key Verse: “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.” (1 Samuel 16:11, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 49:1-3, Jeremiah 1:5, John 15:16, Acts 13:22

INTRODUCTION:
Being overlooked is one of the most frustrating experiences in life. It can happen in families, workplaces, churches, and even among friends. People may not see your potential, they may ignore your presence, or they may underestimate your capacity. But the beautiful truth is this — God does not need popular opinion to choose and ordain a person.

To be ordained is to be divinely appointed, set apart, and empowered for a specific assignment. While man may overlook you because of your age, appearance, background, or present circumstances, God sees the end from the beginning. His ordination over your life stands sure regardless of who acknowledges it.

David’s life is the perfect example: ignored by his father, absent from the line-up, yet chosen by God to be king. This message will encourage you to remain faithful and confident in your divine calling even when men overlook you.

1. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE ORDAINED BY GOD

a) Ordination is God’s choice, not man’s (Jeremiah 1:5)
Before you were born, God had already chosen your assignment.

b) Ordination carries divine authority (John 15:16)
You are empowered to bear fruit that remains.

c) Ordination is irreversible (Romans 11:29)
The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

d) Ordination sets you apart for impact (Isaiah 49:1-3)
You are not ordinary; you are a vessel of divine purpose.

Biblical Example: David — ordained as king while still a shepherd boy, far from the throne.

2. REASONS PEOPLE OVERLOOK YOU

a) They judge by appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)
Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

b) They underestimate your current position (Zechariah 4:10)
Small beginnings make people think you have no future.

c) They are blinded by familiarity (Mark 6:3)
Familiarity can make people fail to recognize the grace you carry.

d) They cannot discern spiritual potential (Acts 4:13)
Anointing is not always obvious to the natural eye.

Biblical Example: Gideon — considered the least in his family, yet ordained to deliver Israel.

3. HOW TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OVERLOOKED BUT ORDAINED

a) Stay faithful in your current assignment (Luke 16:10)
Your diligence in the little will prepare you for the greater.

b) Keep your eyes on God’s approval, not man’s (Galatians 1:10)
It is God’s endorsement that determines your destiny.

c) Develop your God-given gifts (2 Timothy 1:6)
Refuse to let neglect make you complacent; keep sharpening your abilities.

d) Wait for God’s timing (Habakkuk 2:3)
The ordination will manifest at the appointed time, not a moment too soon.

Biblical Example: Joseph — overlooked as a slave and prisoner, yet ordained to be prime minister of Egypt.

CONCLUSION:
Man may forget you, but God will not. Heaven’s record of your ordination cannot be erased by man’s ignorance. When the fullness of time comes, God will locate you, announce you, and position you in the place He prepared for you. The same people who overlooked you will witness your manifestation and be compelled to acknowledge God’s hand upon your life.

Your job is to remain faithful, focused, and fearless, knowing that ordination is more powerful than public opinion.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for ordaining me before I was born.
2. Father, help me to stay faithful in my current assignment.
3. Lord, deliver me from the pain of human rejection.
4. Father, cause my gifts to find expression at the right time.
5. Lord, protect my ordination from every satanic attack.
6. Father, give me patience to wait for my divine manifestation.
7. Lord, let my life display the evidence of my ordination.
8. Father, cause those who overlooked me to see Your hand upon my life.
9. Lord, let my promotion come from You and not from man.
10. Father, help me to walk worthy of the calling You have placed on me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not be hidden in the day of your manifestation!
2. Your ordination will speak louder than every rejection!
3. Those who forgot you will remember you!
4. God’s hand upon your life will be undeniable!
5. You will rise from the background to the forefront!
6. No one can cancel what God has confirmed!
7. Your small beginning will lead to a mighty ending!
8. Divine timing will work in your favour!
9. You will be celebrated where you were once ignored!
10. Your destiny will manifest in full glory!