“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
Saul was appointed King of Israel by the hand of God. Samuel gave clear instructions to Saul about going to Gilgal. Saul was to wait for Samuel in order for Samuel to perform the burnt offerings and give Saul instructions about his attack against the Philistines. Unfortunately, Saul was a DIY guy. Saul grew impatient and fearful as he watched his army begin to disperse. Saul felt it was time for action. And in true DIY fashion, Saul performed the offering himself. And just as he was finishing, Samuel arrives. It is hard as DIY humans in a drive-thru world to let God’s timing work in our lives. We want results now. We expect to be through a trial immediately so things can “get back to normal.” We want all the answers to our situation and circumstance, now. However, in many facets of our lives, we are required to submit to authority. At work, in school, in our communities; we are subject to authority figures. If we are in Christ, we are subject to God’s authority. And although God’s timing is not always the way we want it, it is certainly what is best for us. And submitting to His authority is the only way we can be sure we’re on the right path.
Dear God, I know that You only have my best interest in mind. Thank You for using Your authority in my life to help mold me into the person You want me to become. Help me to not be a DIY human, and to instead be patient as I wait on Your perfect plan to unfold. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.