What other biblical figures initially resisted God's call, and how did they respond? Starting Point: Saul Hiding Among the Supplies 1 Samuel 10:22: “So they inquired of the LORD again, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD replied, ‘He is hiding among the supplies.’” Saul’s first impulse was to shrink back, even after being anointed. That single verse sets the stage for an all-too-human pattern woven throughout Scripture—people hesitating when the Almighty calls. Patterns of Reluctance: You’re Not Alone Across the Bible, several men of faith share Saul’s initial instinct to run, hide, or protest. Their stories remind us that God’s call often collides with our sense of inadequacy, fear, or even disagreement. Yet each life also shows what happens when God’s persistence meets a hesitant heart. Profiles of Initial Resistance • Moses – The Reluctant Spokesman – Exodus 3:10 sets the assignment: lead Israel out of Egypt. – Exodus 4:10: “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” – Exodus 4:13: “Please, Lord, send someone else.” – Response: After God assures him of divine presence and provides Aaron as spokesman, Moses goes—staff in hand—to confront Pharaoh and ultimately shepherd Israel to the edge of the Promised Land. • Gideon – The Least in the Clan – Judges 6:12–15. The Angel calls Gideon “mighty warrior,” yet he protests, “My clan is the weakest… I am the youngest.” – He seeks multiple signs: the fire-consumed offering (6:17-21), dew on fleece (6:36-40). – Response: Encouraged by God’s patience, Gideon leads 300 men to rout Midian, proving that divine power triumphs over human weakness. • Jeremiah – The Youthful Prophet – Jeremiah 1:6: “Ah, Lord GOD, I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” – God’s answer (1:7-8): “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’… I am with you to deliver you.” – Response: Jeremiah spends decades proclaiming God’s word to a stubborn nation, often at great personal cost, yet faithfully obeys the commission. • Jonah – The Runaway Messenger – Jonah 1:1-3: “But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” – Storm, fish, and three days later, Jonah 3:1-3 records a second call—and this time he goes. – Response: Though his heart still wrestles with God’s mercy toward Nineveh, Jonah’s reluctant obedience sparks city-wide repentance. • Ananias – The Hesitant Disciple – Acts 9:10-14. Told to visit Saul the persecutor, Ananias objects: “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man…” – God reassures him that Saul is “My chosen instrument.” – Response: Ananias lays hands on Saul, calling him “Brother,” and becomes the first to welcome the future apostle into the fellowship of believers. • Peter – The Self-Aware Fisherman – Luke 5:8: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” – Jesus replies (5:10): “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” – Response: Peter leaves the nets, follows Jesus, and later preaches boldly at Pentecost, opening the door of faith to thousands. Shared Threads in Their Stories – Honest Fear: Each voice—“I can’t speak,” “I’m the least,” “He’s dangerous,” “I’m sinful”—echoes Saul’s hiddenness among the baggage. – Divine Assurance: God never dismisses their concerns; He answers with His presence, signs, and clear promises. – Necessary Obedience: The turning point comes when they step out from hiding, however falteringly, and act on God’s word. – Greater Impact: On the far side of reluctance lie plagues broken, armies defeated, cities spared, apostles launched, nations blessed. Lessons for Today • God still calls ordinary people who feel unqualified. • Initial hesitation does not disqualify; persistent refusal would. • The One who appoints also equips—sometimes with companions (Aaron for Moses, Barnabas for Paul), sometimes with supernatural empowerment (Gideon’s sign-laden fleece, Jeremiah’s touched lips). • Obedience, not perfection, is God’s requirement. As with Saul, He knows exactly where we’re hiding and graciously invites us into the open. Final Thought: From Hiding to Harnessed Whether among baggage, beneath a broom tree, or in the belly of a fish, God finds His servants. The same Lord who drew Saul into kingship still beckons hesitant hearts today, proving that divine purpose always outweighs human reluctance. |
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