How can we seek God's guidance to avoid Saul's mistakes in 1 Samuel 28:18? Looking Closely at 1 Samuel 28:18 “Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD or execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, the LORD has done this thing to you this day.” What Went Wrong for Saul? • Ignored direct commands (cf. 1 Samuel 15:3, 9) • Feared people more than God (1 Samuel 15:24) • Sought guidance from forbidden sources (1 Samuel 28:7) • Responded to conviction with excuses, not repentance (1 Samuel 15:30) Lessons for Seeking God’s Guidance Today • Stay anchored in Scripture – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Obey promptly and completely – John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” • Consult God first, not last – Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Wait for His timing instead of forcing outcomes – Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous…” • Seek wisdom in community – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Respond to conviction with genuine repentance – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” Practical Action Steps • Set aside daily, unhurried Bible-reading time • Journal what God highlights; list any commands to obey today • Invite mature believers to ask about your obedience, not just your knowledge • Before major decisions, pause and pray James 1:5 aloud, then wait • Eliminate competing voices—occult media, horoscopes, anything that mimics Saul’s séance • Celebrate small steps of obedience; they pave the way for larger ones • When you fail, own it quickly, receive God’s mercy, and realign with His Word Encouragement for the Journey God delights to guide those who listen. By taking His Word seriously, obeying immediately, and refusing shortcuts, we sidestep Saul’s tragic path and walk in the steady light of the Lord’s counsel. |
    |