1 Samuel 13, Psalms 97, Romans 4:11-25

What God said to me – Waiting for Me to answer your prayers – for My perfect timing is never easy.  It is even more difficult when you see things falling apart.  It is hard not to just step in and try to “fix” it yourself.  That’s exactly what Saul did when Samuel didn’t show up soon enough for him.  He stepped in and tried to “fix” it and his impatience at not waiting for Me cost him everything.  I have a plan that “I AM” carrying out and when you act impatiently because “I AM” not moving fast enough for you, then you are demonstrating your lack of faith and trust in Me and in My sovereignty.  You cannot keep Me from accomplishing My will but your impatience in acting without My direction may cost you the blessing I had planned for you as well as the lessons I was teaching you in the waiting.  This waiting period is not dead time but it is a time I use to teach you and build your faith and our relationship so embrace it.

1 Samuel 11-12, Psalms 96, Romans 4:1-17

What God said to me – Samuel lived in a time when his nation was turning away from Me as their King, but he was faithful to warn them of the consequences even when they were determined to go their own way.  He continued to pray for them and instruct them in the good and right way.  He understood that My judgment was not just individual but also national and if they and their leaders rejected My ways and did evil, that both they and their leaders would be swept away.  So you follow Samuel’s example.  Even though you see your nation and its leaders turning away from Me, you continue to take a stand and warn them of the consequences.  You continue to pray and instruct them in the good and right way.  You may be reviled and maligned for your stance and your nation may not turn and be saved from judgment, but some individuals may be so you remain faithful.

1 Samuel 9-10, Psalms 95, Romans 3:9-31

What God said to me – People are so arrogant they think they are in control of their lives and that they determine their plans and what happens in society and in doing so they deny My sovereignty as God.  The people of Israel overwhelmingly chose Saul to be their king when they rejected Me as their King.  But what they didn’t realize was that before they chose Saul, I put him in the place to be chosen.  When they chose Saul I gave them over to reap the consequences of their rejection of Me.  As you look at the world today you see that most of the leaders around the world are ungodly and do not honor Me.  So as you face elections and choices and fears for the future of your nation and the world, what are you, My child, to do?  You are to pray – pray without ceasing – and trust that “I AM” in control so whoever comes to power is there according to My sovereign plan.  “I AM working all things together for your good and My glory.