What can we learn from Saul's actions about waiting on God's timing? Backdrop: Fear at Gilgal 1 Samuel 13:7: “Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained in Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking in fear.” • Israel’s army was vastly outnumbered (13:5). • Samuel had commanded Saul earlier: “Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do” (10:8). • Day seven arrived; Samuel had not yet appeared; the soldiers were scattering. Saul’s Critical Choice • Verse 9 records that Saul took matters into his own hands and offered the burnt offering. • His motive: “I saw the people were scattering… the Philistines were assembling… and you did not come” (13:11-12). • Result: Samuel arrives moments later, rebukes Saul, and declares the kingdom will pass to “a man after His own heart” (13:14). What Waiting on God’s Timing Teaches Us • Obedience outranks urgency. – The command was clear; circumstances did not change it. • God’s timing tests the heart. – Waiting reveals whose approval we crave (Galatians 1:10). • Fear is a poor counselor. – “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Impatience can cost future blessing. – Saul forfeited a lasting dynasty (13:13-14). • Spiritual authority matters. – Only priests were to offer sacrifice (Numbers 18:7). • Waiting positions us for God’s power. – Contrast Saul with David, who “inquired of the LORD” and waited repeatedly (2 Samuel 5:19, 23). Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” • Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength…” • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God directs our paths, even when timing seems late. • Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him… it is good to quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” • Hebrews 10:36 – Endurance is needed “so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Practical Ways to Cultivate God-Honoring Patience 1. Anchor decisions in clear Scriptural commands, not shifting emotions. 2. Set reminders of past deliverances; memory fuels trust. 3. Seek counsel from mature believers before acting under pressure. 4. Replace anxious “what-ifs” with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). 5. Keep short accounts with God; confessed sin clears the way for discernment. 6. Celebrate small acts of obedience while you wait; faithfulness today prepares you for tomorrow’s assignment. Closing Reflection Saul’s story warns that one hurried act can eclipse many earlier victories. God’s timetable is never late, and His commands never change with circumstances. Waiting on Him is not wasted time; it is worship in action, declaring that His wisdom, not our impatience, will write the next chapter. |
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