What does 1 Samuel 9:19 teach us about seeking God's will through others? Setting the Scene • Saul, searching for lost donkeys, turns to Samuel, Israel’s prophet. • 1 Samuel 9:19: “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go and tell you all that is in your heart.” • God orchestrates an unexpected meeting to direct Saul’s life and confirm His choice of Israel’s first king. Key Truth from 1 Samuel 9:19 • God often channels His guidance through His appointed servants. • Samuel invites Saul to a meal and promises revelation “in the morning,” showing that divine insight can unfold in stages. • The verse highlights both God’s care for personal concerns (“all that is in your heart”) and His larger purposes (the coming announcement of kingship). Principles for Seeking God’s Will Through Others • Recognize God-given authority – “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20). • Expect God to arrange the encounter – Saul wasn’t looking for Samuel; God brought them together (compare Proverbs 16:9). • Receive counsel with obedience and humility – Saul follows Samuel’s instructions step by step. • Allow time for God to speak – Samuel postpones the full message until morning, underscoring patience in the process. • Trust that God can reveal hidden matters – Samuel will disclose what is “in your heart,” a pattern echoed when Ananias ministers to Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:17). Healthy Expectations When Consulting Godly Counsel • Counsel must align with Scripture—never contradict it (Acts 17:11). • Wise advisers point us back to God, not to themselves (James 3:17). • Multiple counselors provide safety (Proverbs 15:22; 11:14). • Personal responsibility remains; others confirm God’s voice, they do not replace it (Galatians 1:8). Practical Takeaways • Pray first, then seek out mature believers who honor God’s Word. • Listen carefully, record what is shared, and weigh it against the Bible. • Give God time—answers may come over a meal, overnight, or through repeated conversations. • Stay teachable; even mundane problems (lost donkeys) can lead to life-changing direction. • Walk in faith once guidance is confirmed, just as Saul moved forward into his calling (1 Samuel 10:1). Closing Reflection God remains eager to guide His people, often speaking through trusted servants who know His heart. When we approach them with humility, patience, and a commitment to measure every word by Scripture, we position ourselves to hear “all that is in your heart”—and to step confidently into His perfect will. |
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