How can we trust God's plans like Samuel trusted in 1 Samuel 9:24? Taking a Fresh Look at 1 Samuel 9:24 “Then the cook took up the leg with what was on it and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, ‘Here is what has been reserved. Eat, for it has been kept for you until the appointed time, ever since I said, “I have invited the people.”’ So Saul ate with Samuel that day.” Why This Small Moment Matters • Samuel had arranged a special portion long before Saul arrived. • Saul was unaware of God’s hidden preparations on his behalf. • Samuel trusted the Lord’s timing so completely that he could calmly say, “It has been kept for you until the appointed time.” Seeing God’s Hand in the Details • Nothing “just happens.” (Psalm 139:16) • God’s purpose is woven into ordinary tasks—like reserving a meal. • Samuel’s confidence shows that relying on God includes believing He controls even the unnoticed pieces. Steps to Trust Like Samuel 1. Receive God’s Word as Certain • Samuel’s life was grounded in “Thus says the Lord.” • Anchor your heart in promises such as Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” 2. Rest in God’s Timing • The phrase “until the appointed time” reveals divine scheduling. • Ecclesiastes 3:1 affirms, “For everything there is an appointed time…” • Waiting is not inactivity; it is confidence that God is never late. 3. Recognize God’s Provision Ahead of Need • Saul’s portion was “reserved” before he knew he would need it. • Matthew 6:31-33 reminds us the Father already knows our needs and has provisions in place. • Gratitude builds trust: rehearse past examples of God’s foresight. 4. Rely on God’s Purpose, Not Your Perspective • Romans 8:28 assures that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” • Samuel’s focus was on God’s larger agenda—installing Israel’s first king—rather than on the discomfort of secrecy or delay. • Surrender personal plans whenever they conflict with God’s revealed path. 5. Respond with Obedience • Samuel prepared the meal exactly as instructed. • True trust expresses itself in concrete actions: obey today’s guidance, expecting tomorrow’s direction to follow. • Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” Putting It into Practice This Week • Start each morning reading a promised-filled verse aloud. • List three moments when God previously “reserved a portion” for you—ways He provided unexpectedly. • When facing uncertainty, declare aloud: “This has been kept for me until the appointed time.” • Act on the next step you already know is obedience, without demanding to see every detail ahead. Living the Lesson Like Samuel, we can walk into each day assured that God has already gone before us, set the table, and arranged every “appointed time.” Our role is to trust, obey, and watch His plans unfold. |
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