Biblical reflections on obedience and timing: avoid Saul’s mistakes, embrace David’s trust, and surrender your ambitions to God’s will
Pray for Wisdom Before Reading
Dear friends, before you continue, pause for a moment and ask God to give you wisdom to understand His Word. This message is especially for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Life Is Precious and Uncertain
We do not know what tomorrow holds. Life is a precious gift, and our choices can either bring blessings to others or become warnings, like Lot’s wife who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.
The Bible says in 1 Samuel 13:13:
“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which He commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”
If Saul had obeyed God’s command, his kingdom would have been established forever. But because he disobeyed, God rejected him. In the same way, when we lack patience with God’s timing and step out of His will, the cost can be very serious.
Learning from the Life of Saul and David
When we look at David’s life, we see the unseen hand of the Creator at work. But before David, there was Saul—the first king of Israel. Saul never imagined that while searching for his father’s donkeys, he would be anointed king by the prophet Samuel.
Likewise, we cannot imagine the plans God has already prepared for us. We may be busy with our ambitions, plans, and dreams, but the One who created us has already designed our future. The Bible reminds us:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
At the right time, God will reveal His plan.
The Danger of Disobedience
Saul’s story is a serious warning. God had blessed him with opportunity, authority, and ability, but Saul failed because of impatience and disobedience. His kingdom ended, and God sought another man—David.
Dear friends, if we step away from God’s will, God will not remain stuck. He will raise up someone else. He does not force us to obey, but disobedience carries consequences.
Many young people realize too late that they missed opportunities and then confess afterward. But remember:
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Tomorrow may be too late. No amount of crying or praying will change missed opportunities once the time is gone. That’s why God is speaking to you today—He is giving you an opportunity before it’s too late.
Dying to Self and Living for God
Jesus said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12:24)
As long as we live only for ourselves—our money, job, family, and ambitions—our lives remain fruitless. Once we are gone, people may remember us only with a photo on the wall. But when we die to self and live for God, our lives become a blessing to many.
God cannot use those who hold on to pride and the energy of the flesh. We must throw away pride and surrender fully to Him.
Look at Saul—he was searching for donkeys when chosen by God. Look at David—he was faithfully caring for sheep when chosen. Two different men, but one clear lesson: God is watching us even when no one else is. Are you faithful and trustworthy where He has placed you—in your workplace, school, or home?
God’s Commands Are Not Suggestions
The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:1:
“And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.”
Saul missed his opportunity because he treated God’s commands as advice instead of commands. God said, “Do not mourn for Saul, I have rejected him.” This shows us that God’s purposes will always move forward.
Commands are commands, not suggestions. Heaven is giving you an opportunity today. Before heaven rejects, choose to live for heaven.
Waiting for God’s Timing
My dear friends, like Saul, we often lack patience with God’s timing. Instead of waiting, we chase our own ideas. But God has already planned everything—we only need to wait for His time.
God will fulfill His purposes beautifully, even when the process feels hard. Sometimes His discipline feels painful, but as the Bible says:
“The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Patience is part of God’s training. Every delay, every challenge, and every test is meant to prepare us for something greater.
Final Encouragement
God is giving you opportunities today. Don’t let impatience, pride, or disobedience cause you to miss them. Surrender your life into His hands, trust His timing, and live for His glory.
Your life can become a testimony that points others to Jesus Christ—if you choose His will over your own.
