I Am Number 8 Overlooked and Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God

If God can take David -- the invisible eighth son of a forgotten family -- and turn him into a king, just imagine what magnificent plans He has for redeeming your life.

David was born a number 8 -- a hidden gem, often overlooked and undervalued by everyone except for God. For David, being a number 8 seemed like a curse until the day God transformed him from the unknown eighth son of Jesse into the much-honored king of Israel. When God sends out an invitation to greatness, His directions don't always make sense to us. You may feel like the most invisible, broken number 8 out there, but God sees your hidden value and is growing you for better things. David didn't know it, but his time as a simple shepherd with a dull future did not go unnoticed by God. In David's darkest moments, he was cultivating the kind of gifts, wisdom, and leadership he would need to become a king. Even when you're an underdog in the eyes of the world, God is working behind the scenes to develop you into a king or queen.

John W. Gray III is the Senior Pastor of Relentless Church in Greenville, SC (formerly Redemption Church) and continues to serve as an associate pastor of America's largest single venue church, Lakewood Church, in Houston, Texas. He preaches primarily at Lakewood's midweek service where thousands converge each week.

John was named to Oprah's Super Soul 100, a collection of 100 awakened leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity. His show, The Book of John Gray, airs on The Oprah Winfrey Network. John resides in Greenville, SC with his wife, Aventer, their children, John W. Gray IV and Theory Aspyn-Sky Gray.