‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ Most of us have experienced this at one point or another. We’ve faced moments where the task ahead seemed impossible – a financial hurdle, a family challenge, a personal goal – and somehow, with determination, things worked out. Yet Scripture shows us a deeper truth: it is not merely willpower that makes a way, but the will of God. When we walk in step with his Spirit, he makes a way where there seems to be no way.

This truth is displayed in the story of Samuel’s anointing of David as king, recorded in 1 Samuel 16. Saul’s kingship has been rejected by the Lord. His repeated disobedience has cost him the Lord’s favour; and Samuel, the prophet, is grieving. Samuel mourns as though the story of God’s people has hit a dead end.

But God reminds Samuel that his purposes are never thwarted. ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.’ Samuel is hesitant. He knows Saul’s temper, and he fears what might happen if Saul hears of his mission. And yet, God provides a way forward: take a heifer, offer a sacrifice, and in the midst of worship I will reveal my plan.

Here we see it: when Samuel obeyed, God made a way.

Obedience moved him into God’s future. The same is true for us. Sometimes, we mourn what once was – an opportunity, a relationship, or a season of life that God has moved us beyond. Other times, fear of the unknown holds us back from stepping forward. Yet God says: ‘Trust me. Take the first step, and I will make a way.’

When Samuel finally arrives in Bethlehem and Jesse’s sons are brought before him, Samuel encounters another lesson: God’s way often doesn’t look like our way. Eliab, the oldest, strong and impressive, stands before Samuel. Surely this must be the one! But the Lord says no. One by one, Abinadab, Shammah, and all seven of Jesse’s sons pass by. Each time, the Lord rejects them. Finally, God gives Samuel a revelation that is still true today: ‘The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’

How freeing this is! We live in a world obsessed with appearances – status, success, charisma, likes and reposts. Yet God is not impressed by these things. He searches the heart. He looks for humility, faith, and devotion. While Samuel and Jesse’s family almost forgot about David, the youngest son out tending sheep, God had not forgotten him. The very one overlooked by others was the one chosen by God. And when Samuel anointed David, Scripture tells us that ‘from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.’

This is a second great truth of our passage: when God makes a way, he doesn’t just change circumstances – he transforms hearts. David’s anointing was not about appearances or human potential; it was about God’s Spirit at work. And the same is true for us. As Jesus’ followers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and at work within us. And the Spirit is not content with surface-level change. He goes straight to the heart.

The question is: are we allowing the Spirit to truly transform us from the inside out? It’s easy to look the part, but God cannot be fooled. He is not looking for polished appearances; he is looking for surrendered hearts. Hearts aligned with his, hearts shaped by his love, hearts willing to obey even when it’s risky or uncertain.

Samuel had to trust God’s way over his fears. David was chosen not because of his looks or status but because of his heart. And today, God is calling us to the same kind of obedience and surrender.

Where there is God’s will, there is God’s way. And where his Spirit moves, he transforms hearts.

So let me leave you with two questions:

What step of obedience is God asking you to take today, even if fear is holding you back?

And what is the true condition of your heart? Is it fully surrendered to the Spirit, or are you simply keeping up appearances?