Daily Devotional for Monday, July 17

Foolish Offerings

“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever,” I Samuel 13:13

Mankind, in general, has an overall weakness when it comes to being patient while waiting. All one must do is venture onto a freeway in California during rush hour traffic and you will experience the impatient nature of man firsthand! It is no surprise that the subjects of patience and endurance are discussed at great length in the Word of God. There are numerous examples in the Bible of those who became restless waiting on God’s timing and ultimately disobeyed Him, causing lasting effects. Abraham and Sarah are one such example and through Ishmael came many of Israel’s greatest enemies.

Saul was growing weary as he waited on Samuel to offer the sacrifices and make supplication to the Lord on behalf of Israel. The Philistines were mighty with many men, chariots and horses. The children of Israel were afraid and many had followed Saul to Gilgal but now they were scattering away from him. It had been seven days, so Saul presumptuously took it upon himself to offer the sacrifices in place of Samuel. This was a foolish decision brought on by Saul’s impatience and lack of faith in God.

There are times that it seems God’s plan is not working and you are growing impatient. Do not lose faith; keep waiting on Him. Trust that He is working things out for your good and for His glory. Fight the temptation to do things your own way instead of God’s way. “For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8). His way is always the right way.

REFLECTION: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14)

Darla Goodrum