April 25, 2025 - 1 Samuel‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭9‬

“He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:8-9 ESV

Lord, as we read this passage, it is easy to recognize our own impatience. How often do we get impatient and move forward in our own strength or ways instead of waiting on you? When we look at Saul’s situation it is easy to understand his actions. A large, strong Philistine army was pressing in on them. His own army was afraid and scattering. He was losing control of his people. He knew he needed to hear from you, but the priest who was supposed to seek you for him was late. He was panicking and decided to seek you on his own. But by offering the burnt offering he broke one of your laws. As we read on in verse 11, Saul was unrepentant and tried to justify his actions. This sin eventually led him to lose his kingship.

Lord, the way you do things is hardly ever in our timing. Often the dreams, visions, and things you tell us will happen, don’t happen in days or weeks, but in years or decades. How often do we give up on your ways and either take matters into our own hands, like Saul, or just give up and determine that we heard wrong or you’re unfaithful? Lord, give us a repentant heart. Help us learn to walk in patience and trust you, even when we are hard pressed on all sides like Saul. Help us learn to keep our eyes on you and not on the situations around us. If we focus on the situations, we will allow panic and disbelief to set in. We declare that we trust you. We put our belief in you even if it takes decades to see your Word fulfilled. Help us press forward in following your leading step by step, day by day, and know that your plans will happen in your timing and your ways.

In Jesus name, amen.