Read 1 Samuel 13:1 through 16:13
Saul drew first blood, but the Philistine army, teeming with soldiers, pursued him with a vengeance. When Samuel did not show up at the appointed time, Saul panicked. He altered the game plan. But in so doing, he paid a tremendous price.
“You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time” (1 Samuel 13:13).
The Philistines were closing in on Saul’s men. The Bible says that Saul’s soldiers were “quaking with fear.” As his men fled, Saul panicked, and in an act of disregard for God’s protocol, he offered sacrifices that only the prophet Samuel was permitted to do. Saul thought he could gain God’s favor by doing his own thing. He was mistaken—his “own thing” cost him everything.
God desires to bless His people. But He is looking for people who will follow His game plan and keep His commands. When we become impatient with the way His plans are unfolding and attempt to “offer some sacrifice” to speed things up, we must remember the story of Saul. Obedience is always better.
Challenge for Today:
Be patient and follow God’s game plan.
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