Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 15-16

Highlight Verse:

““I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When was the last time you were so deeply moved that you cried out to the Lord all night?

The only events that pop into my mind are the loss of a loved one.

So here’s Samuel, who opposed the idea of Israel having a king, mourning the loss of God’s blessing on the king.

I believe that Samuel was mourning the loss of godly leadership in Israel.

Did God tell Samuel to get over it or remove Saul from kingship?

No, but God did answer Samuel’s prayers.

He had Samuel anoint the next king – the “man after God’s own heart” – David.

I don’t believe that was the answer Samuel expected.

Nor do I think that Samuel thought Saul would hang onto power for at least 11 more years (David became king at 30 and could not have been more than 19 at the time of anointing as he wasn’t yet of age to serve in the army).

But God answered Samuel’s prayers in the best possible way.

Have you have God answer your most earnest prayers in unexpected ways? – Please share.
Are you in the middle of desperate prayers? God has your answer. It just might not be what you expect.