Impatience That Leads to the Threshold of Sin

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 NKJ - But, those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they  shall mount up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Read (I Samuel 13:5-13)

Impatient behavior can lead to abrupt impulsive responding.  Impulsive actions can lead to foolishness and sin. Not so for those who wait upon the Lord. They act in such a way of demonstrating knowledge and reverence of God.  Confidence in Him, attentive to Him with patience and quietness of heart. After all they remembers His promises and is comforted. The Lord is to be waited upon, for He is sovereign. He is known to bear and support His children in time of need. The Lord will not allow them who wait, not to sink under their burdens. Therefore, wait on the Lord with patience.

Many of you from time to time, become pressed on all sides. When there seems to be no options left, you turn abruptly, sprang into one’s own action even risking your own life and others around you. People are known to go ahead of the Lord in seeking a job or career opportunities, purchase a house, car or vacation package, to name a few. When it is realized that such actions were perhaps the wrong move, everything has become derailed. It is so common that many believers act as nonbelievers by leaving the Lord outside of major decisions. Recovery in some cases never happen. There may be a loss of income, loss of health, or a failed relationships, because individuals failed to seek the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

It was customary for the nation of Israel to never enter into a conflict/war with other nations without first seeking the Lord with sacrifices, offerings and worship. (I Samuel 13:5-13) When the Israelites were to gather together for battle with the Philistines, King Saul was commanded to wait seven days and Samuel apparently would return and officiate at the worship ceremony. Before the end of the seventh day, King Saul failed to wait any longer. Some point during that seventh day, he went ahead and started sacrificing -- violating the instructions of Samuel (I Sam.13:4-10). The seven days wait was perhaps a test of King Saul’s character and obedience. The king failed the test by not waiting and invading the priestly duty. King Saul was not a spiritual leader and had no right to sacrifice to the Lord. King Saul sought a blessing from Samuel.  Instead he received a reprimand, and it was said that he be ripped away from serving as King. (I Samuel 15:10,11) King Saul had turned back from following the Lord. The Lord’s words came to Samuel saying, “I regret having set up Saul as king, for he has turned away from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” The Lord says what He means, and He means what He says for He is faithful. Going ahead of the Lord is never a good thing to do, nor leaving the Lord out of your plans at any place along life’s struggles.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be patient and wait on You especially when I am pressed to take my own course of action. For You are faithful and will deliver those who put their trust in You. When my sufficiency fails, I can look to You who is able. In Jesus’ name. Amen

(by Novella D. Carpenter)