In what ways can we prioritize God's plans over our own, like Samuel? Taking a Closer Look at 1 Samuel 9:26 “They got up early in the morning. Then at daybreak Samuel called to Saul on the roof, ‘Get ready, and I will send you on your way.’ So Saul arose, and the two of them went outside—he and Samuel.” Why This Moment Matters • The Lord had revealed the day before that Saul was His chosen king (9:15–17). • Samuel could have clung to his own role as Israel’s leader, yet he rose before dawn to move God’s plan forward. • In one simple, early-morning action, Samuel models how to let God’s agenda outrank personal comfort, schedule, or ambition. Key Habits Samuel Shows Us • Early readiness – he gets up “at daybreak,” willing to start God’s business first (cf. Psalm 5:3). • Prompt obedience – no delaying or negotiating (cf. Mark 1:18; James 1:22). • Humble release – he prepares Saul for leadership, even though Samuel’s own influence will diminish (cf. John 3:30). • Quiet guidance – he walks Saul outside for a private anointing (9:27), serving without spotlight. How We Can Prioritize God’s Plans 1. Start the day seeking His direction – Commit the first moments to Scripture and prayer (Mark 1:35; Psalm 143:8). 2. Trust God’s timing more than our timetable – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) 3. Act immediately on clear instruction – Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience (Luke 11:28). 4. Surrender personal status – Samuel stepped aside for Saul; we surrender roles, credit, and control (Philippians 2:3–4). 5. Invest in others’ callings – Encourage, mentor, and release others as Samuel did (2 Timothy 2:2). 6. Keep listening for fresh direction – Samuel’s lifelong habit began with “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Stay attentive through the Word and the Spirit’s prompting. 7. Anchor decisions in Scripture – Measure plans against the unchanging text (Isaiah 8:20). Practical Next Steps for This Week • Set an earlier alarm twice this week to meet with the Lord before anything else. • Identify one personal agenda item you can lay down to serve someone else’s God-given calling. • Memorize Matthew 6:33 and recite it whenever new plans form. • Journal daily ways you sensed God leading, then note prompt actions you took. Encouraging Promises to Keep Us Focused • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) • “For I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Like Samuel, we can rise each day ready to move God’s purposes forward—confident that His plans, carried out in His timing, will always surpass our own. |
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