Saul.
1 Sam. 9.
THE Lord had His eyes upon Saul and His purpose was to bring him into the presence of Samuel in order that he might anoint him to be king.
We may here look a little at the circumstances by which this was brought about, and let us remember that God overrules all circumstances. First, then, the asses of Kish ran away and were lost; and Saul, the son, was the one selected to seek the asses. The losing of the asses may have been, and very likely was, considered a misfortune. But the Lord knows how to bring good out of evil, and joy out of sorrow. We should never be cast down because of some trying circumstance, but should remember that the Lord is ordering all for our own good. And, perhaps, He has some glad surprise in store for us which only can be reached by passing through trial and difficulty. It was just when Saul was most discouraged that he met with a happy surprise. He entirely failed in his effort to recover the lost asses, but he was being unconsciously directed by God to go to Samuel. The Lord used the servant with Saul to provide the piece of money, so that he might not be hindered. And the maidens, who went out to draw water, helped him by telling him where Samuel might be found. (v. 11). Thus God used the persons, as well as the seeking of the asses, to carry out His purpose. And we are plainly told that He was sending Saul to Samuel. (v. 16.)
There are two ways in which the Lord may guide us. It may be through circumstances, as something that happens to us in our way; or the Lord may directly reveal His mind to the one who is walking with Him. Saul and Samuel furnish us examples of both these ways.
Samuel, no doubt, walked by faith; the same as the Christian is to walk today. And he was guided by the word of the Lord. (vs. 15, 16). The apostle Paul gave us God’s word when he said,
For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7). So the believer is not to look to circumstances for guidance, but to the Lord and His word. Although it is for our comfort to know that God is working through the circumstances that come in our path, for our own good, and to carry on His blessed purposes concerning us.
Children, the great proof that we have faith is that we look to God, and trust His word. That is exactly what faith always does. And when we are walking by faith, our circumstances may be often most trying and adverse. When our blessed Saviour was going to the cross, He was walking entirely by faith. and yet the circumstance was so trying to Him as a man, that He said, “Father gave Me from this hour.” But in the triumph of faith, He immediately added, “But, for this cause came I unto this hour.”
Let us bear in mind, then, that if everything does not go on just to please us, that God is over all, and does all things well. We may trust Him at all times.
ML 08/24/1902