The Last Minute

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd Sep 17 - Filed in Devotional - 3,483 views
  When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in tombs, and in pits. Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. He stayed seven days, according to the time set by Samuel; but Samuel didn't come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. Saul said, 'Bring the burnt offering to me here, and the peace offerings.' He offered the burnt offering. It came to pass that as soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came' 1 Samuel 13:6'10 WEB
  
  King Saul was desperate. The Philistines had gathered a large army, invaded Israel, and were camped nearby. The prophet Samuel had told Saul to meet him at Gilgal, and he would make offerings and get directions for the upcoming battle from the Lord.
  
  Saul waited at Gilgal with about 2,000 men. The Philistines had brought 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and footmen like the "sand of the seashore" (1 Samuel 13:5). Saul's army was outnumbered by at least 20 to 1. Even worse, his meager troops began to scatter, and those that remained with him trembled in fear.
  
  After Saul waited for seven days, and Samuel had not come, fear and desperation overcame him. He panicked and made the offering himself, but apparently received no directions from the Lord. Of course, as soon as Saul finished his offering, the prophet Samuel arrived. The first thing Samuel asked him was, "What have you done?" The fear of man, and what men could do to him, cost Saul his kingship (1 Samuel 13:13).
  
  Too often, when the deadline begins approaching, we start sweating, panicking, and we ask ourselves, "What are we going to do? Where is God?" Pressure causes us to make compromises right before God arrives and turns the battle around. These things cause our impurities to rise to the surface. Who you are while under pressure is who you really are.
  
  They say God is never late, but He also is never early. He arrives right on time. We begin to waver in our faith, and it is usually right before God shows up. Do not give up hope yet. God's help and provision for you are closer than it ever was. When we reach the end of our rope, God will be there to catch us. Though it may feel like the very last minute.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You help me learn to trust in You. Please deliver me from fear and anxiety. Draw my heart to You, and give me a clear vision. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
  
  Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link: Ladies in Distress
  
  
  

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