Most of us have a timeline that says things like, “By this time I will have this sort of job and make this much money;” “by this time, I will have kids;” and “I will retire by this age with this much in the bank.”
We may not have all the details worked out, but the picture is there and the clock is ticking.
Overall, that is a good thing. I admire people who know what they want and work to make it a reality. Having said that, though, there is one huge danger that we must avoid.
When Saul became king of Israel around 1000 B.C., he had one constant and lingering problem: the Philistines. This nation of people lived to the west of the Israelites and they constantly battled over the borders of their respective territories.
In 1 Samuel 13, the Philistines had pushed so far into the land that they cut Saul’s kingdom in half, so he rallied his army and prepared to fight.
However, Saul had another problem: he needed to ask for God’s blessing on his people. Unfortunately, the only one allowed to offer that sacrifice was the prophet Samuel and he was not there, so they waited.
After seven days, Saul decided that time was up and he offered the sacrifice himself. When Samuel arrived and saw that Saul and proceeded without him he said, “You have acted very foolishly … now your kingdom will not endure” (verses 13 and 14). Then he said that God would choose a new leader for his people.
Saul wanted to honour God. He offered the proper sacrifice. He knew he needed God’s help. What he forgot, though, was that things were supposed to happen on God’s schedule and not his. By forcing his timetable on the situation, Saul ruined everything.
Waiting is no fun. It often feels unproductive and like a complete waste of time. However, sometimes waiting is the best thing we can do, because it puts us in line with God’s timing and his plan.
If you are waiting today, hold on. The answer you need may be right around the corner.
“Those who wait upon Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
