Have you ever recognized a problem no one else seems to see or care about? You sound the alarm, and no one listens. How do we practice unwavering faith when facing problems we can’t control? 1 Samuel chapters 8-9 provide compelling examples of what to do—and what not to do—in situations beyond our control.
Israel faced a leadership crisis. Samuel was old and his sons were corrupt. “So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel” (1 Samuel 8:4 NIV). They demanded a king so they could be like the other nations. Their demand for a king seemed wrong to Samuel, so he “prayed to the Lord” (1 Samuel 8:6).
Two opposite responses to legitimate concerns.
- The elders demanded a human king, a solution that would make them like the pagan nations.
- Samuel saw a problem with the elders and their demand and took it to God.
Take your concerns to God.
Samuel prayed to the Lord, and God confirmed Samuel’s concerns. In essence God said, “You’re right, but they’re rejecting Me not you.” Then the Lord told Samuel to warn them of the oppression a king would bring. But if they persist, give them their king.
Speak and do what God leads you to do.
Samuel obeyed God and warned Israel. The king you are choosing will claim as his rights and take the best of Israel’s resources.
He will:
- Take your sons and daughters
- Take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves
- Take a tenth of your grain and of your grape harvest
- Take the best of your cattle and donkeys
- Take a tenth of your flocks
- Make you his slaves
“You will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.’ But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles’” (1 Samuel 8:11-20 NIV emphasis added).
Ironically, Israel had enjoyed approximately thirty years of peace from the Philistines without a king (1 Samuel 7:13). Despite God’s protection and warnings, the people said, “We want a king [the government]—not God—to rule and take care of us!”
Trust God to guide and fill in the gaps.
God had planned to give Israel a king, but not at this time or in this way. His king would come from the tribe of Judah and have a heart after His. Sometimes, getting what we ask for is the natural punishment for rejecting God.
God gave Israel the king they asked for—impressive to look at but shallow and insecure. However, their poor choices didn’t stop Samuel from continuing to enjoy God’s fellowship and guidance. Years later, God used Samuel to anoint His chosen king—a shepherd boy.
Strength Finder
- What do I see that seems wrong? Have I told God how I want it fixed? Or have I brought my concerns to Him to hear how He wants to handle it?
- What has God prompted me to say or do? I may not be able to stop the problem, but I can do what He tells me to do. He holds me responsible for my actions, not for others’ (Ezek. 33:3-6).
- Am I trusting God to provide what I need to be faithful and leaving the outcome with Him?
Whether we’re dealing with an election, our work, or a prodigal, God will provide the wisdom we need if we’ll seek, trust, and obey Him.
Unlock Unwavering Faith: 3 Lessons from Samuel’s Journey #Faith, #Guidance Share on X“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8 NLT).
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Blessings,
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Thank you for your insightful message and great questions to ask ourselves!
Thank you, Jane. I’m enjoying going through 1 Samuel while at the same time frustrated to see the record of human folly.
My sons had to read all of Thomas Payne’s Common Sense a few years ago – and so I did, too. These scriptures and argument were a huge part of his argument about why our nation should reject a monarch government. I find myself flummoxed when I see people rejecting common sense, and then the bible shows me people have been doing it since the beginning of time. This is a salient reminder for the season in which we are living.
Maryleigh, I’m struck the same way as I read the biblical accounts. I don’t know how God stands watching us repeat the same foolish choices. I haven’t read Thomas Payne’s Common Sense. The title alone sounds like it should be required reading for everyone!
This is certainly an ongoing issue. It applies when we see our adult children doing something we know can harm them. Great advice.
Ann, I appreciated this example in Scripture because I’ve certainly felt the frustration of seeing where something is headed and not being listened to!
I can be so hard on Israel for their stubbornness but I have to call myself out for all the times I want MY own way and imagine that God is holding out on me….
Michele, I hear you! Me too.
Such a timely truth, Debbie, “Whether we are dealing with an election, our work, or a prodigal, God will provide the wisdom we need if we will seek, trust, and obey Him.”
Lisa, I’m still amazed at how timely the Scripture continues to be. So thankful for its wisdom.
Proverbs tells us not to lean on our own understanding. If we would just do that and trust God instead, we could avoid a lot of trouble. Thanks for sharing this insightful post.
Barbara, you’re so right!
Tonight members of our church will meet to pray for our country and the election. We are blessed to have the opportunity to bring our burdens and concerns before God. Samuel is a wonderful example!
Carol, I thank God for those who take the time to pray for our country. Thank you!!
May each one of us pray for wisdom as we go to do cast our vote. And even when we have voted early, may we continue to pray for the Lord to guide others and for His will to be done. “Sometimes, getting what we ask for is the natural punishment for rejecting God.” This is such a sobering statement and brought to mind Psalm 106:15, “And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.” Such a timely post, Debbie.
Joanne, I join you in praying for this election and our country’s turning to God. The Psalm you highlight sums it up so well! Lord have mercy on us.
Great lesson Debbie. How much are we like the Israelites in our demands for things without seeking God’s plans. I pray to remember these lessons in my life.
Me too, Yvonne. Thank you.