Lessons From KingsSample

King Saul - Impatience Derails Destiny

The account of King Saul in 1st Samuel starts as one of promise and hope. In 1st Samuel 9, Israel is crying out to God for a King and Saul is chosen for that purpose. Clearly Saul had it going on for God to have picked him to govern His chosen people!

As you read in 1st Samuel 13, while facing an overwhelming enemy, Saul felt it necessary to offer a sacrifice to God because Samuel didn't come fast enough. He was afraid that if he waited any longer, his men would scatter and the battle would be lost. Once Samuel arrived, he told Saul that this impatience and disobedience had cost him the Kingdom (1st Samuel 13:13-14).

Impatience is defined as:

• Intolerance of anything that thwarts, delays, or hinders

Saul saw the absence of Samuel as hindrance to the battle. He had the right idea, he wanted to seek God about the battle; however, his method and timing were incorrect. The right motive or idea carried out in the wrong timing or method is wrong. Impatience derailed the destiny that God had for Saul. 

Many times in our own lives we face problems and situations where we may overstep and do things our way because God doesn't seem to intervene fast enough. When this happens we are getting ahead of the plan God has for us, and often, we may be putting ourselves in a place of derailment in terms of God's purpose for our lives.

Throughout the word, God proves that His plans and timing are always perfect (i.e. - The lives of David, Job, or Abraham and Sarah.) Fight the urge to get ahead of God and trust in His perfect timing in your life. When you are patient, the plans God has purposed for you, will be brought to perfection.

Reflection:

Has God made you a promise? Are you facing situations that are a battle? Do you feel like things would be better if you did things your way?

Be patient and trust God. His purpose for you is made perfect in His timing. Don't let impatience derail your destiny!