Scripture:

“Then Saul admitted to Samuel, ‘Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.’

But Samuel replied, ‘I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.’

 

As Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe. And Samuel said to him, ‘The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else—one who is better than you. And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!’ 

 

Then Saul pleaded again, ‘I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the Lord your God.’ So Samuel finally agreed and went back with him, and Saul worshiped the Lord.” 1 Samuel 15:24-31 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

Saul had led the Israelites into battle, following God’s instructions. However, God was very adamant about the people not taking any of the plunder from their enemy. When the prophet, Samuel, arrived on the scene, he heard the livestock was still alive from their enemies. Since Saul did not follow God’s instructions, Samuel had bad news for him. God was rejecting Saul as king of Israel. Saul admitted that it was fear of people that had caused him to walk in disobedience to God. He cared more about what his constituents thought of him than God. When Samuel turned to leave, Saul reached out to hold onto Samuel’s garment. The tearing of the robe signified what God was going to do in Saul’s life. Fear caused him to walk in disobedience and hold on too tightly when he should have surrendered to God. Even in his plea for forgiveness, Saul was still more concerned about how he was perceived in front of the people over how God saw him.

 

Fear has a way of causing us to make decisions that don’t honor God. What are you holding onto in fear that God needs you to lay down? You may be experiencing the fear of a job transition or feeling like you will forever be alone. You may have fear from a health diagnosis, a difficult financial situation, or the loss of a friendship. When we face fear, we have to make sure that we are still being obedient to the mission to which God has called us. We can’t hold onto fear and situations so tightly that God has to pry our fingers open to remove them from our lives. When we have open hearts and open hands, we are positioned to receive from God. When God takes something out of our lives, we don’t have to fear its absence. God is asking us today to walk in obedience to His Word. Don’t allow the opinions of others, disappointment, or a fearful spirit to cause you to walk out of God’s purposes for your life. Our obedience is very important to God. He cares more about it than how others perceive you. We have to come to terms with fear so our faith positions our life toward God. While fear may cause you to walk away from God’s direction, faith will allow you to walk in confidence no matter what battle you face.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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