Somewhere in your past, someone has said, “I told you so.” How did those words resonate in your ears? Be honest with yourself. Probably you didn’t like them. The verifiable truth usually stings for a while. In a few minutes, you may realize they were correct.
King Saul heard those harsh words from the Prophet Samuel in I Samuel 13. The Philistines assembled to attack Saul. Their forces outnumbered the Israeli troops.
Saul was to wait for the Prophet Samuel to come and give him direction. He was to wait seven days for his arrival. Impatient, Saul took matters into his own hands on the seventh day. He tired of waiting. On the seventh day, Saul violated his office as king and offered a priestly sacrifice to the Lord.
As soon as the sacrifice was complete, Samuel reached his destination. He probably smelled the remains of the burnt offering. Samuel immediately asked, “What have you done?” (I Samuel 13:11)
Saul explained himself. When I saw the vast number of Philistines, I panicked and made the sacrifice without you here. There is no mention of prayer, and he did not wait until the end of the seventh day. Saul’s impatience cost him greatly.
Notice Saul’s words. “Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt sacrifice.” (v.12). Often, feelings can get you in trouble. Bible principles always outweigh feelings. Quick decisions can be disastrous and have long-term ramifications.
Some scriptural advice. Naomi told her daughter-in-law Ruth, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out.” (Ruth 3:18) David said in Psalms 37:7a, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” Also, in v.34 of the same Psalm, “Wait on the Lord, and keep His way.” Abraham received God’s promise of a son, “After he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:15)
The lesson for me, wait until the Lord answers before you act.
Verses are from the NKJV.
