Set Time? Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived…” (1 Samuel 13:7-10)

Samuel had delayed. King Saul had waited as he was told for 7 days. The number “7” itself is termed “the number of perfection”, but God wasn’t looking for signs, but obedience. Saul acted out of fear. His camp was quaking and his troops were scattering. Seized by his fear, he felt compelled to act (1 Samuel 13:12). When Samuel asked: “What have you done?” Saul didn’t take responsibility. Rather, he blamed others and even Samuel too! He replied: “I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash…” (1 Samuel 13:11).

Fear easily blames others for our own inactions (Genesis 3:12). Conversely, we can gracefully learn from another king seized by fear: Jehoshaphat. Surrounded by three nations, “Jehoshaphat feared” (2 Chronicles 20:3). Yet in that place, even without a set time, he and all Judah searched for the Lord patiently, and God did come through for them.

Is God making us wait? He is never late. “Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen… though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength” (Habakkuk 3:17-19). His rule prevails!

Goodmorning 🎊

BeEncouraged❤ Freely received. Freely shared