Podcast: Download (Duration: 34:38 — 31.7MB)
February 23, 2025
- 1 Samuel 16:6-7
- 1 Samuel 16:11
- 1 Samuel 16:12
- 1 Samuel 16:13
- 1 Samuel 16:18
- 1 Samuel 17:28
- 1 Samuel 17:33
- 1 Samuel 17:38-39
Pastor Gene’s sermon, titled “Why Not Me?”, focuses on overcoming negative labels and embracing God’s calling. He begins by addressing the power of words, explaining that while physical wounds heal, hurtful words can stick with us for a lifetime. He encourages listeners to peel off the labels that others have placed on them.
Using the story of David from 1 Samuel 16-17, Pastor Gene illustrates how David was overlooked by his own family and labeled as insignificant. However, despite being the youngest and least expected, God chose him to be king. David’s journey—from being ignored to defeating Goliath—shows that God’s plans are not based on human perception but on the heart.
Pastor Gene emphasizes that:
- You may feel overlooked, but you’re not unnoticed – God sees and values each person.
- David was anointed but not yet appointed – Sometimes, God calls us before the opportunity arises, requiring patience and faithfulness in the small things.
- You can’t defeat your giant wearing someone else’s label – David had to remove Saul’s armor and fight in his own way, demonstrating that we must reject false labels and embrace our God-given identity.
The sermon concludes with a call to remove limiting labels, trust in God’s plan, and boldly declare, “Why not me?”