1 Samuel 9-11

In 1 Samuel 9-11, we meet a tall guy from the tribe of Benjamin named Saul, and Israel's wish for a king comes true.  Samuel, the prophet, knows that a king is not the real answer for God's people, but God hears their prayers and makes it happen.  God uses lost donkeys to get Saul right where He needs him, with Samuel.  It's a divine appointment for sure.  Saul is anointed king of Israel, and he is another example of how God uses unlikely characters for lead roles in His bigger story.

Saul's story seems so random; but as I read, I know that God has one of His amazing plans in the works.  God's own people are rejecting Him as they cry out for a king; yet, God is going to use their cries for a greater good.

Saul has an encounter with God through Samuel, and it changes him.

9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. 11 When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

1 Samuel 10:9-11

God is in the business of transforming hearts, and we see that happen for Saul. The Holy Spirit is with Saul, and people can't help but notice the difference it makes in his life.  God's heart work in us becomes visible on the outside, to those around us.  

All of this "work" God is doing is brought about through His divine appointments.  Though things may appear to be random and coincidental, they are not.  I love when that happens, when we follow God's "tugs" on our heartstrings to step beyond what we would normally do.  Because when we do, when we surrender to the "tugs" on our hearts, we can feel God's presence, and His Spirit moves us to do incredible things we could never dream of doing on our own.  

How about you?  Have you ever had an experience like Saul's?  Has God ever used something random, like donkeys, to get you right where He needs you?

I'd love to hear...

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for guiding me to You with Your divine appointments and including me in Your purposeful plan.  Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and getting me right where You need me.

Forgive me for getting side-tracked by the busyness of my day to day life and focusing way too much on unimportant details.  Transform my heart to feel Your tugs and hear Your voice.  I want you to be my GPS, Lord.

I especially need the power of Your Holy Spirit as I discern Your will concerning ______________________.

You are my Mighty Counselor and my Savior, Lord.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.