Series Name: Unlikely
Message Title: Picked Last
Short Summary: God isn't looking for the most impressive resume, the best appearance, or the largest bank account—He's looking for the right heart. Through the story of David's anointing, we discover that God seeks people with surrendered, available hearts who desire to do His will. It's not about perfection; it's about posture. When we prepare our hearts by being faithful in small things, responsive to correction, and available to God's call, He can use even the most unlikely among us to accomplish His purposes.
Icebreaker Question
If you could have any job for just one day—no qualifications required—what would it be and why?
(This lighthearted question connects to the message's theme of feeling unqualified or unlikely, while creating a fun, low-stakes environment for sharing.)
Review: Previous Week's "I Will" Statement
(Note: Since this is the first message in the series, there is no previous week's statement to review. For future weeks, include the previous "I Will" statement here.)
For Week 2 and beyond, ask:
- Last week, we committed to [previous week's "I Will" statement]. How did you intentionally live that out this week?
- What challenges or encouragements did you experience as you tried to apply last week's commitment?
Discussion Questions
Question 1: Reflecting on Heart Posture
The message contrasted Saul and David—both imperfect, but with different heart postures toward God. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God describes David as "a man after his own heart." What do you think it means to have "a heart after God's own heart," and how would you describe the current posture of your heart toward God?
Context: Ryan shared that "the difference wasn't perfection—it was posture." Saul was concerned with looking right; David was concerned with getting right. Both sinned, but David confessed and pursued God while Saul made excuses.
Life Application: Invite honest reflection about where participants currently are in their relationship with God. Are they more concerned with appearances or authenticity? Are they making excuses or confessing? This question creates space for vulnerability about spiritual struggles without shame.
Question 2: Wrestling with "Unlikely" Feelings
Ryan asked, "Do you feel unlikely?" and shared his own struggles with feeling unqualified. Describe a time when you felt unlikely or unqualified for something God was calling you to do. What thoughts went through your mind, and how did you respond?
Context: The message emphasized that David was the youngest son, just tending sheep—an unlikely choice for king. Yet 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: "People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Life Application: This question invites participants to share their insecurities and the lies they believe about themselves. It also opens the door to recognize how God sees them differently than they see themselves or how the world sees them. Encourage the group to speak truth over one another's "unlikely" feelings.
Question 3: Being Faithful in the Little Things
One way to prepare our hearts is to "be faithful in the little things." Ryan shared the story of folding T-shirts in basic training—a seemingly meaningless task that revealed character. What "T-shirt folding" moments are you currently in, and how is your faithfulness (or lack thereof) preparing your heart for what God has next?
Context: David was faithful in tending sheep before God trusted him with a kingdom. Our response to small, unglamorous tasks reveals the posture of our hearts and prepares us for greater responsibility.
Life Application: This question helps participants identify current areas where they may be frustrated, feeling stuck, or tempted to cut corners. It reframes mundane responsibilities as opportunities for heart preparation. Encourage honest sharing about struggles with faithfulness and brainstorm practical ways to shift perspective.
Question 4: Responding to Correction
Another heart-preparation practice is being "responsive when God corrects you." Think about a recent time when the Holy Spirit convicted you or when someone lovingly pointed out a blind spot. How did you respond—with defensiveness and excuses, or with repentance and openness?
Context: The message highlighted that Saul made excuses when confronted ("it wasn't my fault," "let me explain"), while David confessed his sin and sought forgiveness. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Life Application: This vulnerable question invites participants to examine their knee-jerk reactions to correction. It creates space to confess pride and defensiveness, and to grow in humility. Encourage the group to thank God for people who love them enough to speak truth, and to ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts toward correction.
Question 5: Taking Your Next Step
Ryan challenged us to "pursue God" and "be available, not rigid." If you genuinely pursued God this week and made yourself available to His promptings—even when inconvenient—what might that look like in your daily life? What specific step will you take?
Context: David wasn't concerned with a five-year plan; he had sheep to look after and a God to worship. When called, he came. His heart was sensitive to God's plan and willing to say yes.
Life Application: This question moves from reflection to action. It asks participants to get specific about what pursuing God and being available actually means in their unique circumstances—in their work, family, neighborhood, or church community. Challenge them to share one tangible commitment they'll make this week, and encourage the group to pray for and follow up with one another.
This Week's "I Will" Statement
I will ask God daily to give me a heart after His own.
Personal Application: Commit to starting each day by asking God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Share with a trusted friend how you sense God moving in your life, and be open when they lovingly point out blind spots. Pursue vulnerability, faithfulness, and availability this week.
Prayer Prompts
1. Open Prayer Requests Leader, ask: "What specific things can we pray for you this week?" (Allow time for personal requests—health, family, work, decisions, etc.)
2. Prayer for Heart Examination Leader, pray: "Let's ask God to search our hearts this week. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal areas where we're making excuses, protecting our image, or resisting His correction. Ask Him to give us the courage to confess, repent, and pursue Him with fresh passion."
3. Prayer for the "Unlikely" Leader, pray: "Pray for anyone in the group who feels unlikely, unqualified, or inadequate for what God is calling them to. Ask God to remind them that He doesn't look at outward appearance or credentials—He looks at the heart. Pray that 2 Timothy 1:7 would come alive: 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.'"
Rewatch the Message
Want to revisit this message or share it with someone?
Watch here:
Leader Note: Create a safe, grace-filled environment where people feel free to share honestly without judgment. Model vulnerability by sharing your own struggles and growth. Remember: the goal isn't to have all the answers, but to discover together what God is saying and doing in our lives.