Today’s Tasting: 1 Samuel 13–14: In 1 Samuel 13 we read about Saul’s reign over Israel. Saul was in battle against the Philistines and Israel was outnumbered. Saul’s men were distressed and panicked.
Samuel had told Saul to wait seven days until he came to make offerings to the Lord for His favor. However, on day seven, when Samuel had not arrived and his men had started deserting, Saul took it upon himself to make the burnt offering. Instead of waiting, he tried to take matters into his own hands. Samuel came just as Saul finished making the offering and confronted him. Samuel told Saul he had failed to do what the Lord commanded and that because of his disobedience he would lose his kingdom to one who Samuel said would be a man after God’s heart.
In 1 Samuel 14, Saul’s son Jonathan decided to approach the Philistine camp. He and his armor bearer asked for a sign from the Lord so they would know if they were to fight the Philistines, and the Lord answered as they had asked. Jonathan declared that the Lord had given the Philistines into their hands and he killed twenty men. So God sent fear among the Philistines and they scattered as the army of Israel came to join the battle. The Lord saved Israel that day but as long as Saul lived he was at war with the Philistines.
Today’s Nourishment: Today’s reading presents a challenge to us who want to follow Christ. We see that Saul paid the price for wanting to do what he thought was right and not waiting on the Lord.
How many times do we get impatient when we are made to wait on God’s timing? We live in a microwave society, where we have grown used to having everything “now.” Sometimes God just wants us to wait on Him.
Be still, and know that I am God—Psalm 46:10a
Can you remember a time when God said not now and you moved forward anyway? Do you recall the results? Often when we do that we find ourselves back-pedaling and trying to dig our way out of the mess.
We saw in today’s reading that, unlike his father, Jonathan waited for the Lord to show him the next step he was to take. He was victorious, while Saul, who jumped ahead without waiting on God, found himself in battle all his days.
What is the Lord asking you to wait for? It is hard to wait; however, if we ask God to help us His grace will make the waiting easier.
Tomorrow’s Delight: 1 Samuel 15–17
Robin Hardy
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Robin, this is such a good word. The late Jack Frost said, “When we wait, God acts. And when we act, God waits.” I have found this true in my life so many times. Lord, I choose to wait on you in a couple of situations right now. Thank you that your timing is always perfect.
This is a good word for today!
This is an excellent word, thanks Robin. I have found through different seasons of life that jumping ahead our way and not waiting on God’s way certainly has caused the battle of ” No Peace”. God knows the perfect way and following Him brings victorious living and true Peace, thank You Father, I too choose to follow your way and timing!!!!