1 Samuel 13:8

New King James Version

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.

For Encouragement

The deafening silence in the dark Tunnel of Waiting can scare the mighty warrior to misstep and lose everything, as King Saul did while he waited for Samuel at Gilgal when the Philistines came against Israel (1 Samuel 13:5-13).

“Thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven” (5).

The numbers were threatening, and the superiority of the Philistine army overwhelmed Saul and his crudely equipped army. They became distressed, so they ran and hid , and some crossed to join the enemy forces. Sounds familiar?

In such a precarious situation, what does a leader do? What must the commander do but encourage his soldiers with confidence? But Saul had a flaw – a lack of faith in the God of Israel. 

Make no mistake. Saul had faith in the sacrificial offerings of the law and the human agents of God who  make those sacrifices. Tragically, however, and like most of us, he did not look beyond those things to see the object of those sacrifices – God Almighty. 

When Samuel did not come at the expected time, Saul panicked as he compared  the Philistine army with  his dissipating forces. He assumed the role of a priest and offered a profane burnt sacrifice. Right after, Samuel arrived on the scene(9). The rest is history (13-14).

The story of Israel’s first king is the story of most of us. We often look at  the storms swelling around us, and fear drowns us. But God has never left us on our own. Never! And He will not ever (Joshua 1: 5; Hebrews 13:5). His faithful promise to Joshua still holds for all His children through eternity, therefore He says to you, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6).

King Saul forgot the history of Israel at the Red Sea, just as we also tend to forget the history of our salvation when we face adversity that lingers. The Israelites panicked at the approach of Pharaoh and his elite charioteers. With courage, Moses pointed them to the sovereignty of God and His power to deliver them.

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14).

God showed up, and the sea fled. Israel walked through the sea on dry grounds and escaped, while their enemies drowned (22-23). 

That is your encouragement and marching orders from our Jesus Christ today, as your predicaments, whatever they may be, roar menacingly around you and never seem to die down.

It’s not the time to run. Wait for Him, for He is not late but will aptly show up to deliver you. Just give Him praise!