1 Samuel 10 & 11: When Forever is Actually Temporary
- Kami Pentecost
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
In chapter 10, Saul is chosen and anointed by the prophet Samuel. He’s given clear signs, even transformed by the Spirit of God, and people begin to recognize his potential. By the end of the chapter, he’s publicly confirmed as king—even if not everyone’s convinced he’s the right guy (1 Samuel 10:24–27). This is what Israel wanted right? A King!? Then we see Saul step into leadership in a powerful way. The Ammonites threaten the people of Jabesh-gilead, and Saul is moved to action.
The Spirit of God comes powerfully upon him, and he rallies Israel with authority and passion. They win. And Saul, rather than seeking revenge or praise, responds with humility:“No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the Lord rescued Israel.” (1 Samuel 11:13, GNT)
“But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the Lord rescued Israel.” And Samuel said to them, “Let us all go to Gilgal and once more proclaim Saul as our king.” So they all went to Gilgal, and there at the holy place they proclaimed Saul king. They offered fellowship sacrifices, and Saul and all the people of Israel celebrated the event.” 1 Samuel 11:13-15 GNT
However this isn't the end of the story. This is just the beginning. Wait for it. The downfall. The disobedience. The insecurity and fear that lead to compromise. Eventually, God will say:“You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:26, GNT). How do you go from chapter 11—leading with conviction, courage, honoring God—to that?
This causes me to personally reflect asking myself, "Where am I doing things that look good, feel good, maybe even do good… but weren’t actually God-ordained? Where have I assumed His blessing instead of sought His voice?" Saul’s story reminds me—good without God isn’t good.
Where am I acting on assumption instead of direction? Where have I confused my desire with God’s will? Where do I need to return to simple, Spirit-led obedience?
I sought the Lord, and He heard me—and He answered (Psalm 34:4). Cue to song, TRUST IN GOD. Sometimes, even when I believe I’m following Him… (and I am following) the plan still shifts. Sometimes the path I thought I’d be on forever turns out to be temporary. Am I the only one who wrestles with that. Did I hear wrong? Was it just for a season? How do I reconcile a God-ordained beginning with an unexpected ending? I’m learning that trusting God doesn’t always mean understanding Him. It means believing—really believing—that who He is and what He does is always good… even when it doesn’t finish the way I thought it would.
If you’ve been struggling to stay in the Word, don’t give up. Lean in. You were never meant to do life—or faith—alone. That’s why we created the Manna in the Morning devotional series. It’s simple, real, and meant to walk with you through one chapter a day. Let’s grow together, one morning at a time. 👉 Grab your copy here
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