How should we respond when God calls us to unexpected roles or tasks? When God Surprises Us with a Call 1 Samuel 10:21: “Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin by its clans, and the clan of Matri was taken, and finally Saul son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he could not be found.” A literal, historical moment: God narrows the choice all the way down to one shy man hiding among the supplies (v. 22). None of the people expected Saul—least of all Saul himself—yet the Lord’s choice was unmistakable. What This Teaches about Responding to God’s Unexpected Assignments • Recognize the Caller – God’s lot-selection left no doubt. When circumstances, Scripture, and godly counsel line up, we know the call is from Him (Acts 13:2). – The focus is not “Why me?” but “Since it’s You, Lord, I’ll listen” (John 21:21-22). • Humble Honesty About Our Fear – Saul hid; Moses protested (Exodus 3:11); Jeremiah felt too young (Jeremiah 1:6). Scripture never hides the initial reluctance of real people. – Acknowledge fear, but don’t let it paralyze. God’s words to Joshua still stand: “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). • Trust God’s Provision, Not Our Qualifications – God equips whom He calls (1 Samuel 10:6: “The Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you”). – 1 Corinthians 1:27: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” Our inadequacy highlights His sufficiency. • Step Forward in Obedience – Saul eventually emerged when Samuel summoned him (10:23). Action validates faith (James 2:17). – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” • Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Support – After his anointing, “valiant men whose hearts God had touched went with Saul” (10:26). – Seek fellowship that reinforces God’s direction (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Maintain Ongoing Dependence – Initial obedience must mature into lifelong reliance; Saul’s later failures warn us against drifting (1 Samuel 15:22-23). – Jesus: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Practical Steps for Today 1. Confirm the call through Scripture and wise believers. 2. Verbalize fears to God; refuse to hide. 3. Recall past instances where He proved faithful (Psalm 77:11). 4. Take the first concrete step—however small—toward the assignment. 5. Invite Spirit-led friends to pray and walk with you. 6. Review the mission regularly, guarding humility and obedience. Encouraging Examples of God’s Unexpected Appointments • Gideon—threshing in hiding, called “mighty warrior” (Judges 6:11-12). • Mary—ordinary teenager, mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:30-38). • Ananias—unknown disciple, sent to restore sight to the persecutor Saul/Paul (Acts 9:10-17). Key Takeaway When the Lord chooses you for a role you never planned, answer like Isaiah: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). His call carries His presence, His power, and His purpose—more than enough for every unexpected task. |
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