Good intentions vs. God intentions

Weekly Nuggets April 24, 2023

1 Samuel 13:7-11 NKJV

And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. And Samuel said, “What have you done?”

Key Phrase: Good intentions vs. God intentions

The Bible account in this week’s nuggets causes me to pause and reflect on how many times we want to ‘help’ God.

We read about Samuel’s promise was to return within seven days. It appears that Saul was counting the days on his fingers and with each day of the countdown, the voice of impatience got louder. We also read that Saul made the decision to perform the sacrifices himself (despite not being a Levite), maybe at the end of the seventh day or a few hours after the countdown but Samuel showed up just soon after.

Before we judge and start to ask, “What part of seven days did Saul miss?” Or “why did Samuel leave it till the last minute?” Remember that we have all been here before and equally guilty. On one hand, we know what God’s mind is concerning a matter, but on the other hand, we hear the noise of the world around us fanning our impatience.

One could join Saul and write an epistle on all the good reasons for his decisions, but alas, disobedience is always a one-sided coin.


Father, we ask for the spirit of obedience, patience and wisdom to wait on your appointed time. Lord, help us not to miss your plot by running ahead/behind of you – because you are never late, always on point and on schedule. Most of all, Lord, wherever our disobedience or naivety has interrupted your purpose for us, let your mercy restore and perfect every good and perfect plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Weekly Nuggets is a ministry blog by Elozino