What role does humility play in seeking God's direction, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:10? Setting the Scene Saul and his servant have been wandering the hill country of Ephraim looking for lost donkeys. Tired, unsure where to go next, the servant proposes they seek out “the man of God” (Samuel) for guidance (1 Samuel 9:6). Verse 10 captures Saul’s reply: “ ‘Good,’ said Saul to his servant. ‘Come, let us go.’ So they set out for the town where the man of God was.” Humility in Saul’s Response • Socially, a master did not normally take counsel from a servant, yet Saul listens without defensiveness. • He quickly agrees—no debating, no prideful posturing. • By admitting, “We need help,” Saul models the first step toward divine direction: acknowledging personal limitation. How Humility Opens the Door to Divine Guidance 1. Admits need – Psalm 25:9: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” 2. Receives counsel – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Saul’s willingness to heed lowly advice places him on the exact path where Samuel will anoint him king (9:16–17). 3. Positions us under grace – James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Grace includes guidance. 4. Invites God’s exaltation in His timing – 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you in due time.” Saul’s coronation begins with a humble “Good, let us go.” Lessons for Today • Humility is more than self-deprecation; it is practical dependence on God’s wisdom rather than our own (Proverbs 3:5-6). • God often steers us through unexpected voices—friends, Scripture, a sermon, even subordinates—if we will listen. • Divine direction frequently arrives in ordinary moments: a conversation on the road, a suggestion from someone we might overlook. Putting Humility into Practice • Start each decision by confessing, “Lord, I don’t know everything; teach me Your way.” • Seek input from mature believers and be ready to act on it. • Stay alert to God’s providence in small interruptions—lost donkeys led Saul to a prophet, not a dead end. • Measure success not by immediate results but by obedience to the guidance God gives. Key Takeaways • Humility is the gateway to guidance. • God directs those who admit they need directing. • Listening to “servants” may position you for your greatest assignment. |
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