Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8-12
GOD WILL GUIDE US THROUGH THE UNFAMILIAR.
God’s people were asking for something that was outside of His plan for them; they wanted a king like the other nations had. He warned them they would someday beg for relief from this king they were requesting, or rather demanding (8:18). But God, being a merciful God, heard the cries of his people and gave them what they were asking for.
Has God ever moved you into a position or situation that seemed beyond what you could handle? A couple of days ago, we read of how each year Samuel would have to discard the comfortable coat he had finally grown into and replace it with the new bigger coat that his mother had brought him (2:19). I guess you could say Samuel told Saul that he would receive a “bigger coat” (more like a kingly robe) and Saul’s reaction was one of humility and fear. He did what many of us have a history of doing when God tries to stretch us — he told God He had the wrong person.
“But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” — 1 Samuel 9:21
GOD WILL EQUIP US FOR THE CALL.
Just like He promises us, GOD EQUIPPED SAUL for what He was calling him to do. Saul was “changed into a different person.” Samuel encouraged Saul to do the thing God was calling Saul to do, for God would be with him. God gave him a new heart to go with his new “coat” and everything happened just as God had promised. Doesn’t that sound just like the wonderful God we serve!
As I drink my morning coffee, I know how God is stretching me right now. What is God calling you to that seems beyond what you are capable of? Are you nervous or scared or intimidated by God’s plan? So was Saul. When they went to crown Saul as their king, they found him hiding among the baggage (10:22).
Are you hiding?
Are you using the “baggage” in your life as an excuse to avoid what God is calling you to?
Are you open to allowing God to give you a new heart to go with your new “coat”?
Friend, please know that God is with you. The first situation that came up during his reign, “the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry” (11:7). Just one month after being placed in the position of King, Saul was finding his way and stepping into the leadership for which God was equipping him — just like HE WILL EQUIP YOU.
GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL SO DO NOT FEAR.
So let me do what Samuel did in his farewell speech to God’s people. Let me remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and for your family (12:7). Look back and see how faithful God has been time and time again. Consider Samuel’s words of reassurance to the Israelites:
“Don’t be afraid. You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him.” — 1 Samuel 12:20
God understands that you are feeling unworthy of His call. He knows you are uncomfortable. He also knows you have not lived a perfect life or maybe that you want things back to the way they used to be. But what God is asking is that you worship Him with ALL your heart. Don’t hold back or turn away from what He is asking you to do, but worship God by accepting His plan.
Step out from behind the baggage.
TRUST THAT HE WILL EQUIP YOU.
“And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” — 1 Samuel 12:23b-24