King Saul - Strong Start, Failed Follow Through

So often times, we may be called to start a journey to serve God with divine purpose. I believe that we all have gifts, talents, and skills that God has blessed us with, and he has a plan and purpose for each of us to live out. We are masterpieces sculpted by the Master's hand. Yet we don't always see things through to the end of the journey. And some never even take the first step of obedience. Others allow their own thoughts or thoughts from others convinces them that they cannot see the journey to completion. As we read about Saul's journey, think about your own life and how this could apply to you.

Simple Beginnings

• 1 Samuel 9:3-4
  • It started by a common and simple task to find some missing donkeys
• 1 Samuel 9:17
  • Saul's faithfulness in his simple task lead him to Samuel and God
• 1 Samuel 9:21
  • Saul's humble back ground and beginning, or was it his feeling of inferiority or insecurity. After all his family was very wealthy, and not necessarily the least of his people.
• How many simple things could we have been asked to do, and have not done them? Invite someone to church, offered to pray for someone who was hurting, asked what we could to do help someone in need, or simply run an errand for someone?
• Who knows where the journey would have lead us, and what opportunities may have been missed?

Changed Life

• 1 Samuel 10:1
  • God had a divine purpose for Saul
• 1 Samuel 10:9-12
  • Order is everything
    • Saul turned and started to leave
    • God gave him a new heart
    • All of Samuel's signs were fulfilled that day
  • Faith filled action happened before the change of heart
  • Even in his inferiority or insecurity he had faith to pursue God's divine purpose
• 1 Samuel 10:20-24
  • Saul's inferiority or insecurity again shows up as his hides from what he is was called to do.
• 1 Samuel 11:5-8
  • Up to this point, no one knew what Saul would/could do for them as king. The messenger had brought the news to the people, but not directly to Saul.
  • When Saul saw everyone crying he asked what was wrong, and was filled with anger.
  • God used this anger, that was directed at an injustice to strength the people and bring about justice.
• 1 Samuel 11:12-13
  • At this point the people have accepted Saul as King and is willing to defend their King.
  • Yet Saul honors and acknowledges God was the one that delivered their enemies into their hands.
  • His journey has just started and we see that God's plan is already being played out.

Forgotten Purpose

• 1 Samuel 13:7b-14
  • It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and take action without considering what God would ask us to do. Saul knew he should wait for Samuel, but he felt as if the victory would not happen unless he did something right then.
  • How often do we find ourselves pursuing God's purpose in our lives, and trying to force something to happen instead of trusting in Him.
  • Saul did not follow God's purpose for him, and instead tried to create a purpose on his own.

God's perspective is perfect, and allows him to see everything from start to finish. He has prepared each of us from the beginning to live out our God given purpose. There will always be bumps in the road, and doubts that will try to derail us on the journey. Our enemy, does not want us to live a life following God's divine purpose. There will be times that we may not see how to move forward, much like Saul waiting for Samuel to prepare the Sacrifice. In those moments, we should seek Gods direction, and continue to faithfully follow Gods path. There could be something that God is needing to teach you, or something he needs to grow in you to prepare you for the next step in the journey.

What journeys have you started, or believe you have been called to start?