Pressure Creates Diamonds: Ché Williams

God Looks at the Heart

When Samuel went to anoint a new king, he assumed that Eliab’s appearance meant he was the chosen one.

But God corrected him—He doesn’t look at outward appearances, He looks at the heart. David wasn’t the obvious choice, but he was God’s choice. Our calling doesn’t depend on how people see us, but how God sees us.

"When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’ [7] But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

1 Samuel 16:6-7

The Pressure of Jealousy and Success

David’s success didn’t come without pressure. Though he was faithful, obedient, and victorious in battle, Saul’s jealousy turned into dangerous opposition. But David kept serving, kept leading, and kept trusting God. Pressure doesn’t mean failure—it often reveals our faithfulness.

1 Samuel 18:5–16 (NLT)

When We Fail—God Still Redeems

David’s greatest failure didn’t disqualify him from God’s love. Even after sinning against God by taking Bathsheba and arranging Uriah’s death, David repented deeply. Although there were painful consequences, David returned to worship and intimacy with God. Pressure doesn’t just test us—it also humbles and refines us.

“Then David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.’”

2 Samuel 12:13

Real Faith Still Cries Out

David faced distress not just from enemies, but also from grief, loss, and the weight of his own mistakes. But in every moment of pressure, he knew where to go—he cried out to the Lord. And God heard him. Faith isn’t silent—it pours its heart out to God.