Let Go and Let God

Happy Tuesday to all! This is Michele with you this morning and we are focusing on 1 Samuel 13 today. Please read it with me. It's a great chapter. I feel it's very relevant to my life and the lives of those I love. I bet God will speak to your heart, as well, as you read and ponder what he has to say.

Here is what jumped out at me:

The men of Isreal saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns. Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. (v. 6-7)

Why would the Isrealites try to hide? They had just destroyed a bunch of Phillistines. Wouldn't they feel powerful and indestructible? They probably did until the Phillistine army grew to be much bigger than they had ever imagined it would (v. 5). They became terrified of this enormous army of men and decided to hide instead of continue on. Sounds kind of familiar to me! When I become afraid my initial reaction is to run and hide from what seems too big for me to handle. I forget that you have my back, God. Help us not to run when life gets real hard and we can't see our way out of our current circumstances. When we focus on what seems insurmountable we become panic stricken but when we focus on your supernatural power we can continue on with a sense of peace.

Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn't come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. (v. 8-9)

Another common reaction to what seems overwhelming is to take the situation into our own hands. God, sometimes we pretend we are like you because we don't feel like you're doing anything for us. We think we know what's best and forget our place below you. Often times I struggle in determining the fine line between taking appropriate action and waiting upon you. Saul, too. He decided to do the job that only a priest was allowed to do because he got tired of waiting. Not only did he take matters into his own hands, he disobeyed you in the process. Oh Lord, give us the courage to wait upon you and only take action when we know you've called us to. I/we don't want to be disobedient, we just need your help.

Samuel then left Gilgal and went on his way, but the rest of the troops went with Saul to meet the army. They went up from Gilgal to Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. When Saul counted the men who were still with him, he found only 600 where left!....There were no blacksmiths in the land of Isreal in those days. The Phillistines wouldn't allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews. (v. 15, 19)

Uh oh! It seems to have gone from bad to worse. Only a small number of men left and they had no weapons. So like life sometimes. God, you allow us to experience trials and there are times when it all seems like too much. One thing after another and we have no idea why you would sit back and watch us suffer loss and hurt and so many hurdles in this life.

Maybe you allow us to be in a position of total vulnerability so we truly realize that you are our only source of strength!

Please share your comments with us. It's all about growing together and sharing life with one another. Don't hesitate, we really want to know how God is speaking to you, as well. Have a wonderful day!