And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore, I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.”
-1 Samuel 13:11-12 (NKJV)
-1 Samuel 13:11-12 (NKJV)
Here in 1 Samuel 13, we see how Saul made a foolish error in judgment. Saul panicked when he saw his people scattering from him in fear of the Philistines. He didn’t know what to do when Samuel was delayed and did not arrive when expected. So, rather than wait patiently on the Lord and trust that Samuel would come, Saul decided to take matters into his own hands. Saul took it upon himself to offer up a burnt offering which he was not qualified to do. Because of this error in judgment, Saul’s dynasty would end.
Have you ever felt compelled to take action without God’s direction? I know I have. There are definitely times when I grow impatient, I get excited about something, or I panic out of fear; when I get tired of waiting and I take action…my action. I would definitely not consider these shining moments in my life because the Lord was not a part of them, His hand wasn’t in them. This reminds me of a story my brother shared with me a few months back that I now share with his permission.
Several years back, my brother (Steven) and his wife (Kim) had a wonderful yellow lab named Riley that would travel around with Steven when he went to visit his Home Care patients. Riley and Steven were pretty much inseparable. However, there came a time when Steven and Kim had to make the difficult decision to give Riley away to a family with older children since Riley had started to growl and act aggressive toward their young daughter. After this difficult time, Steven and Kim decided not to get another dog and went many years without one. Then several months ago, they went to a breeder to see some puppies that were for sale at the suggestion of a friend. Of course, when faced with the opportunity to take one of these adorable little puppies home, they could not resist. So, they purchased this cute little puppy and welcomed him into their family. However, they soon realized they had made a mistake. The Lord did not lead them nor direct them to purchase a puppy; He was not part of this decision. After having the puppy in their home for only one week, it became apparent to them that they had rushed into things. They had made this decision to buy this puppy because it was what they wanted, not where the Lord was leading them. Fortunately for the puppy, Steven and Kim had friends that were happy to take the little dog and give him a wonderful and loving home.
So often we take action out of impulse, impatience or fear but if God is not directing that action, it will most certainly not end the way we want it to. The Lord our God wants faithful servants who will trust and obey Him. Are you a faithful servant?
Have you ever felt compelled to take action without God’s direction? I know I have. There are definitely times when I grow impatient, I get excited about something, or I panic out of fear; when I get tired of waiting and I take action…my action. I would definitely not consider these shining moments in my life because the Lord was not a part of them, His hand wasn’t in them. This reminds me of a story my brother shared with me a few months back that I now share with his permission.
Several years back, my brother (Steven) and his wife (Kim) had a wonderful yellow lab named Riley that would travel around with Steven when he went to visit his Home Care patients. Riley and Steven were pretty much inseparable. However, there came a time when Steven and Kim had to make the difficult decision to give Riley away to a family with older children since Riley had started to growl and act aggressive toward their young daughter. After this difficult time, Steven and Kim decided not to get another dog and went many years without one. Then several months ago, they went to a breeder to see some puppies that were for sale at the suggestion of a friend. Of course, when faced with the opportunity to take one of these adorable little puppies home, they could not resist. So, they purchased this cute little puppy and welcomed him into their family. However, they soon realized they had made a mistake. The Lord did not lead them nor direct them to purchase a puppy; He was not part of this decision. After having the puppy in their home for only one week, it became apparent to them that they had rushed into things. They had made this decision to buy this puppy because it was what they wanted, not where the Lord was leading them. Fortunately for the puppy, Steven and Kim had friends that were happy to take the little dog and give him a wonderful and loving home.
So often we take action out of impulse, impatience or fear but if God is not directing that action, it will most certainly not end the way we want it to. The Lord our God wants faithful servants who will trust and obey Him. Are you a faithful servant?
COACH'S CALL TO ACTION
- What is it that you are feeling compelled to do?
- What is it that is compelling you?
- What would it look like to trust and obey the Lord and wait for His direction?
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