Through His Valleys

Lately my book of choice to read in the Bible is 1st Samuel. Initially I thought ok I remember reading this. Maybe I should find something else but I decided to continue reading thinking maybe this will be a refresher.

As I read I became intrigued with Saul’s life. One morning as I was getting ready to read, I was reminded of the command God gave Saul to destroy the Amalekites. Instead of following his command, Saul modified what God asked him to do. He decided to spare their king and all the good things there (1 Samuel 15:8). This started to convict me. I started to realize my lack of obedience. I thought about how I shared my last post with loved ones but failed to do exactly what God asked me to do. I went back to locate where this happened in 1st Samuel. As I read it, I noticed how initially Saul was so unaware of his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:15). That resonated with me. In comparison, David was able to be obedient even in the midst of saw seeking to harm him. I found myself reading back over those chapters and analyzing David’s submission.

This even prompted me to think about how we spend time observing the lives of others. Whether it’s a pastor, someone on social media, a YouTube channel, or a podcast we have the access to analyze another persons faith. I often find myself seeking to learn more about how others have advanced in their relationship with God and what has worked for them. As I thought about this and the book of 1st Samuel all I could hear was obedience and how that changes everything.

What if the only difference between you and another believer is their ability to hear God and actually follow his command? They actually go when he says go. They don’t modify his command to suit their desires like Saul but follows like David. What would a life like that yield? What if your submission opens up doors you never imagined? Today my challenge for us is to go back and listen and this time follow!

Prayer

God thank you for revelation and correction! God thank you for the relevance of your word even now. God help us to hear you when you speak and follow when you tell us to move. Help us to boldly follow where you lead us. God forgive us for our disobedience. Help us to be who you have called us to be and to complete the good things you have planned for us to do. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. God we love you and we thank you! In your son Jesus name we pray, Amen!