February 18, 2025 - 1 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭22

“But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, and the Lord replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.”” 1 Samuel 8:19-22 NLT

Lord, as I read this passage there are a couple things that stand out. I see a nation that wants to look like and act like the other nations around it. You called them to be set apart and look different. You wanted to be their King. Yes, they looked different, but your ways were better. You had Samuel warn them that this wasn’t the best thing for them and not what you intended, but they wanted it anyway. The second thing I see is you, being loving and merciful, relenting to their wishes even though they were not your best plan.

Lord, it is easy to see ourselves in this passage and it is sad. How often do we beg you for something that isn’t what is your best plan for us? We look at the world around us and think that we need what it says is the status quo. We need to follow down the path of what is normal and acceptable, but you want our lives to be extraordinary, not normal. The thing about walking down your path is it takes faith and trust in you. It requires taking big risks, looking different, and likely being criticized for not taking the normal path. Lord, how many amazing blessings do we miss and how much more would we know you if we always choose your best plan? Forgive us for not trusting you, for following our hearts desires, and for giving into the pressures of our world, more than walking in obedience to you. You may allow or grant us what we ask for because you are so good to us, but Lord, if it isn’t your best we don’t want it. Help us to walk in obedience to your best.

In Jesus name, amen.