I Samuel 14:46
“Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.”
I’m not sure how long this conflict took, it seemed to be quick. Maybe a week at most. However, in that week much took place. Saul began his first military campaign. He was told to wait for Samuel. He felt the pressure from the people, so he took matters into his own hands and performed the religous duties. Samuel came and declared that his kingdom was going to be taken from him. Jonathon and his colleague started things with a huge victory. Saul made his foolish oath about not eating. Jonathon didn’t know this and ate some honey. God was silent. Saul attempted to resolve it and swore to take the life of the guilty. It was Jonathon. Saul proclaimed that he would follow through. The people rescued him. All went to their homes.
I feel badly for Saul. This was a whirlwind of activity. He made so many public errors that it was embarrassing. He looks impulsive, extreme and foolish. The people were the wise ones. Prior to this, Saul had a great reputation from a good family. I would say that he wasn’t tested. This circumstance made public what he was made of. That’s what difficulties do. Our character is put on display.
I would like to focus on this perfect storm that Saul encountered. They are rare. Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” This verse calls it the day of evil. It doesn’t always mean the devil’s involved. Sometimes it’s the intersection of circumstances.
I can recall one of these times fifteen years ago. I was used to problems lasting a few days. This one was present for months. It was a sea change. That is my perspective was altered. I was in my early forties and had been working full time for decades. I was used to being seen and a hard working, respected employee. However, my boss’s attitude changed toward me. I was no longer favored. It felt like being disowned.
God was in this. He wanted my self worth to rest on something more solid than one person’s opinion. I knew I was doing a good job. I knew that the Lord was proud of my work. In time, I no longer needed the bosses approval. It sure would have been nice. But, I could handle and function without it. God brought the sun back into my life, as my present boss is a good one.
Fortunately these perfect storms aren’t common. The Lord knows what we can handle. Matthew 11:28-30 is the norm. ‘“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”‘ However, a time or two in our lives the Lord will allow us to go through these big things.
These times have a grand purpose. Moses had his. He was once a prince in Egypt. Next he was a sheepherder in the desert. I’m certain he thought that is all his life would consist of. The Lord had much more in store for him. On a much smaller scale the Lord has His plans for us.
We want to live life wisely, so that these storms aren’t as a result of our own doing. Peter speaks of the suffering that believers experience. The purpose of this is our maturity. Then he says in 4:15 of his first letter, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler.” Saul falls into this category. Much of his storm was self inflicted. Of course we will make mistakes. That will never change. The goal is for our behavior to be a benefit, not the problem.
Lord, thank You that You are with us and won’t give us more than we can handle. Thank You for being with us in the evil day. Help us to live well, so as to not cause ourselves and other grief. Thank You that You don’t allow our troubles to go to waste, but You use those for our maturity.