I’ve believed that anything that doesn’t start well, usually doesn’t end well either. It’s a premise that I personally have experienced. I can’t fault anyone but myself. In Chapter 13 of 1 Samuel, we find that Saul was 30 years old when he became king and he reigned over Israel forty- two years. In this chapter, his son, Jonathan attacked and destroyed the Philistine outpost. But, Saul took credit for it and made certain that people were aware of it. This tells me something about Saul. Because even if this was a normal thing to proclaim in this culture, it wasn’t necessarily the right thing to do. This was just the beginning for Saul as king of Israel. So, in my view he didn’t start well.
It is obvious that King Saul was arrogant and prideful. And, it starts out small just by this proclamation that he had won the battle, when in fact, his son did. As his story continues, it was quite obvious that his pride grew into a fixation for him. And, this mania was his downfall and destroyed him and split his family apart, and even threatened the well- being of the nation.
Do you give credit, where the credit is due? It’s quite basic and simple. When we take credit for the accomplishments and work of others; watch out! This is indication that pride just may be controlling your life. Be aware of it, go back and “rewind the tape” and think about those times that you just may have taken credit yourself when it really belonged to someone else.
If you study the history of King Saul you will find areas in his life that his obsession with himself caused him to fail and lacked the ability to see the big picture for what it really was. This can happen to anyone, and for this reason I mention it. Our God given gifts are for God’s honor and glory and we must not forget that. And, in the interim we should remember to applaud those who have worked alongside of us and acknowledge their efforts and part in our overall successes.
In this same chapter Saul took it upon himself to override the protocol and instructions of God’s law given by God at the beginning. He didn’t wait, and when his own resources diminished, he panicked and took matters into his own hands and totally disobeyed God. He failed to wait, and he failed to trust.
What happened? He didn’t wait for the priest to come and offer the burnt offering/sacrifice before a crucial battle. Saul revealed his true spiritual character under this tremendous pressure. And, we do the same, no doubt!
We’re human and it is difficult to trust God, when we see our resources just slipping by. But, we must trust God’s timing, even when we become impatient and desperate. We must control that desperation, and wait. Saul thought that if he performed the ritual, things would be better and change. Instead, he traded that ritual for faith in God. We’ve all been guilty of this, right?
I know it’s difficult many times over. My frustration and anxiety are at their wits end in situations of difficulty and testing of my faith. But I cannot allow my impatience and panic to drive me to disobedience. And, you must not, as well. When we know what God wants, relent and go with it. Trust Him! God wants us to be real, authentic, genuine and faithful! He uses delays to test our patience and obedience. We need to learn to wait and wait with trust and endurance.
“Those that wait upon the Lord, will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Teach us, Lord to wait!
ritasalomon 