I used to think the Old Testament was boring. Reading through Numbers and Leviticus can be an exercise in stamina. Then other parts are so facinating that it’s hard to put down. There are a lot of great stories with rich meanings and applications. In I Samuel 9-10, Saul is a young man and, of all things, his dad’s donkeys were lost. He was the one that was sent out to find them. Now, can you think of a job that’s any more menial than taking out cross-country to find some donkeys? The account told of all the territories he went through but he couldn’t find them. What Saul didn’t know was that all this was a set-up by God so that Saul would meet Samuel. Then, Samuel could anoint Saul as king over Israel. In fact, Saul never did find the donkeys. Someone else did. But he did encounter Samuel, who did indeed anoint him as king.
It occurred to me: I have a few donkeys that I’ve been chasing in my life! Do you? 🙂 These are smelly…situations that are a bunch of trouble and seem to be a waste of time. But is it possible that God has used these “donkeys” to set me up to encounter what He has planned for my life?
During their encounter, Samuel told Saul that specific things would happen. He would meet particular people at a particular place and particular things would happen. And all of it happened just as Samuel said it would. And Samuel told Saul, (I Samuel 10:7) Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you. The Contemporary English Version puts it this way: After these things happen, do whatever you think is right! God will help you. The Living Bible phrases it From that time on your decisions should be based on whatever seems best under the circumstances, for the Lord will guide you.
There are times in life when we just don’t know what to do. The future seems uncertain or there are too many choices. We fear that we might make the wrong choice and end up where God doesn’t want us. Ever faced that? I certainly have. Sometimes we get paralyzed with indecision. We can’t move forward because we fear we might take a wrong step.
What if you have misinterpreted your iMAGiNEXT? What if you step out in an area of “next” and it’s not what God wants you to do? Let me make this suggestion: Pray about it. Earnestly seek God’s guidance and make sure your heart is right before Him. And then, just as Samuel told Saul, do whatever seems best under the circumstances and trust the Lord to guide you. If you take a wrong step, God is big enough and wise enough to pull you back into His path. And God…God can even take your messes and make a message out of it!
So, if you’re off chasing a donkey…maybe you work with one…maybe you live with…uh, sorry. 🙂 Even in the mundane tasks of life, God is there. Sometimes when you least expect it, He can set you up to encounter His purpose and His will for your life! Just take the next step; do whatever you think is right! If you’re truly seeking Him, He’ll lead you!
Glenn Crosthwait
Worship Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church
