A pastor paced the floor all evening until his wife asked him, “What is wrong with you?” He answered honestly, “I am in a hurry, but God is not.”
Saul knew how that felt. Samuel offered the spiritual leadership while Saul provided the strategic leadership. Samuel had set a time to offer a sacrifice so that Saul could battle the Philistines. The young king wanted to strike while the iron was hot. But Samuel arrived later than promised. Sensing he was losing his men, Saul offered the sacrifice himself.
Impatience leads to impulsiveness. There are times to act and times to wait. Saul failed to discern the difference and it cost him an enduring kingdom. Though he led Israel for forty-two years, he would have no lasting family dynasty.
Does this seem harsh to us? We can not discern Saul’s motives, but Samuel knew God wanted a man after his own heart. Again and again, Saul disobeyed God. Ultimately, his disobedience disqualified him from his position of leadership.
Small acts of disobedience lead to greater disobedience and ultimately to disaster. Leadership depends more on character than charisma. Saul looked like a king. But he did not live like a king should live. God still looks for people after his own heart. A deep desire to obey characterizes the leaders God chooses.
If we have failed God, we find forgiveness through Christ. Ruthlessly eradicate hurry in your life. Today, the Holy Spirit is producing the fruit of patience in those whose hearts are open to him. What is God teaching us as we wait on him today? Ask him and he will tell you.
