When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear… “What have you done?” asked Samuel when he arrived. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord ’s favor.’ So, I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:6-7, 11-12
The facts available to Saul based on what his eyes could see, was that there was no way out since they were becoming hard pressed on every side. In addition to this, he was losing followers which could make it more difficult to face his enemies. So, Saul did what any “sane” person would do – “take action”.
How many times have you found yourself in a similar situation – where the information available to you through your 5 senses (especially what you see, hear and feel) tell you of your need to act? This is a valid stance and part of our decision-making process – information, assumptions, decision.
The only question I ask is “have you validated your information, assumptions or conclusions against God’s word either spoken or written?” Let Saul be an example to us that when we rely on our senses, we more often than not end up disobeying God. Disobedience has consequences – some more grave than others. Saul’s disobedience had a generational impact. Yours could too so be careful about the decisions and actions you take based on what your 5 senses tell you when you haven’t aligned that to the word of God and what God will have you do. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Allow God direct your paths.
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Bolaji Ajayi
And the word became flesh 