WAIT ON THE LORD
📖TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 13:1-14
🔑 Key Verse: “Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:12)
There is no middle course to a life. One will either live by faith or by sight governed by the dictates of sensual judgements. You either possess a faith mentality or rely on sensual capacity. Either choice will definitely impact positively or negatively on your destiny.
King Saul took it upon himself to offer a sacrifice, which he was not permitted to do, because he saw the people scatter from him when Prophet Samuel’s arrival delayed. The consequence of his action was that there would be no kings from his lineage anymore.
Many believers today, out of fear and desperation, take costly steps and impulsive decisions. Faced by some threatening circumstances, they easily lose faith and confidence in God to the point of seeking solutions from unimaginable quarters. Thus, they complicate their cases. We must understand that there is no triumph without challenges. Only those who stick to God in faith will always sing the victor’s song.
The presence of challenges in one’s life currently does not invalidate the authenticity of God’s word concerning him/her. King Saul forgot this fact and thus, landed himself in trouble. He also forgot that challenges are to prove that God’s word is reliable.
The devil does not contest a life without treasures. He may try to frustrate you in various forms. Do not fear or run. If you patiently hide under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are safe.
✍ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: They that wait upon the Lord shall not make haste.
_📖📖📖 COVER to COVER: PROVERBS 13-15.
PONDER:
- The natural youthful self confidence of Jonathan made him to provoke the Philippines to war when his father was not actually ready for war v2-3. This caused permanent damage for Saul. A lesson for youths.
- When God appears late
The apparent delay of the prophet was not accidental v8-10. It was a test before permanency of dynasty of Saul v14. God is never late, delay may be a test after all. - It was a truly difficult situation for Saul to act v5-7. Test could only be test if it put you in a very tight situation. Saul did what only priests should do. He failed.
- The replacement for Saul was David v14. David was not yet born at this time God chose him (Proof?)
a Saul's destiny or predestination was to be king and his house rule for ever v14.
b God's foreknowledge knew that Saul will fail even though it was entirely Saul's decision and failure without God influencing things, at least to the disadvantage of Saul. - Saul was solely responsible for his fall because God gave him all the help he needed to succeed.
- God in His foreknowledge predestined David to take over before he was born.
- There is no child of accident. God created every person to fill up a vacancy in life. David's creation would have been unnecessary without the vacancy created by Saul.
- Can you mention some other examples in the Bible that show their creation or birth was to fill a specific vacancy?
- Since you are not a child of accident, what lessons do you learn from that?
HYMN:Impatient heart, be still (U can get the tune online. Just google the title)
- Impatient heart, be still!
What tho’ He tarries long?
What tho’ the triumph song
Is still (is still) delayed?
Thou hast His promise sure,
And that is all secure;
Be not afraid,
Be not afraid!
Be still! be still!
Impatient heart be still!
2 My eager heart, be still!
Thy Lord will surely come,
And take thee to His home,
With Him (with Him) to dwell;
It may not be today;
And yet, my soul, it may;
I cannot tell,
I cannot tell.
Be still! be still!
My eager heart be still!
3 My anxious heart, be still!
Watch, work, and pray, and then
It will not matter when
Thy Lord (Thy Lord) shall come.
At midnight, or at noon;
He cannot come too soon
To take thee home,
To take thee home.
Be still! be still!
My anxious heart be still.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, whenever I am tested or tried, help me to pass and receive the intended promotion.
- Lord, I thank you that I am not a child of accident. Take full charge of my life from straying away from the vacancy I am created to fill in my family, church and nation.
- Lord, I hereby surrender my life to the full guidance and control of the Holy Spirit. Let no one take my ministry and crown from me.
- Lord of mercy and power, bring back as many in the church that have strayed away from your purpose for their lives.
- Lord, frustrate the powers that fight against my destiny