Daily Encouragement

“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.”  (I Samuel 13:7b-9, NIV)

The prophet Samuel had told Saul to wait for his arrival.  As Saul waited for the man of God to arrive, things began to get tight: Many of his soldiers deserted.  Those who remained were filled with fear.

So, Saul took matters into his own hands — in direct opposition to what he had been told, and knew from experience to be true.  The fallout of Saul’s disobedience was severe.

Like Saul, we are also pressed to act contrary to God’s will and to God’s word.  Sometimes, it is because our situation seems grim and begs for action.  Sometimes, it is because the expectations of others influences our resolve to stand fast.

However, to be a faithful disciple of Jesus means to stand where God has placed us; or to do what God has told us.  Resolve to stand in faithful obedience to God until hell freezes over — then stand on the ice!  – Luther