Why Rushing God Can Cost You What He Intended to Establish
(A Biblical Reflection from 1 Samuel 13:5–14)
Culled from: 1 Samuel 10:8; 1 Samuel 13:5–14; 1 Samuel 15:22
INTRODUCTION — WHEN WAITING FEELS TOO COSTLY
Waiting is hardest when pressure is highest. Soldiers are deserting. Enemies are advancing. Time is running out. And the man of God is late.
In moments like this, impatience disguises itself as responsibility. Disobedience dresses up as leadership. And haste pretends to be wisdom. This was the test of King Saul. And it is still the test of many believers today.
Saul under pressure on the battlefield
1️⃣ GOD’S INSTRUCTION WAS CLEAR — WAIT
Before Saul ever faced the Philistines, God had already spoken.
“And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings… seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee.” — 1 Samuel 10:8 (KJV)
There was no confusion. No ambiguity. No changing of instructions. Waiting was not optional — it was obedience.
Samuel instructing Saul
2️⃣ PRESSURE DOES NOT CANCEL GOD’S WORD
As the enemy gathered, Saul’s situation worsened.
“And the people were scattered from him.” — 1 Samuel 13:8 (KJV)
People leaving is dangerous for insecure leaders.
Silence from God feels unbearable to impatient hearts.
But pressure does not give permission to break divine order.
God’s silence is not absence. Delay is not denial.
Saul conflicted as soldiers leave
3️⃣ “JUST THIS ONCE” IS HOW DISOBEDIENCE BEGINS
Saul made a fatal decision.
“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering… And he offered the burnt offering.” — 1 Samuel 13:9 (KJV)
He did not reject God outright.
He tried to replace obedience with action.
Good intentions do not excuse wrong timing.
Saul offering the sacrifice
4️⃣ GOD OFTEN ARRIVES RIGHT AFTER DISOBEDIENCE
One of the most sobering moments in Scripture:
“And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end… behold, Samuel came.” — 1 Samuel 13:10 (KJV)
God’s test often ends right where impatience begins.
What if Saul had waited just a little longer?
What if obedience had outlasted fear?
Samuel confronting Saul
5️⃣ THE COST OF MOVING AHEAD OF GOD
Samuel’s words were not emotional — they were final.
“Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God… but now thy kingdom shall not continue.” — 1 Samuel 13:13–14 (KJV)
This was not just correction. It was displacement.
Saul lost what God Himself planned to establish.
God’s way vs Saul’s way
6️⃣ OBEDIENCE MATTERS MORE THAN APPEARANCE
Later, God would summarise this truth plainly:
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)
God values right timing over visible results.
He values obedience over impressive actions.
What looks productive outside God’s order is still rebellion.
Samuel declaring the consequence
🔥 FINAL TRUTH — TIMING PRESERVES DESTINY
❌ Moving before God = Lost destiny
✅ Waiting for God = Established destiny
Impatience cost Saul a throne.
Waiting preserved David’s crown.
God’s Will · God’s Way · God’s Time
CONCLUSION — WHAT ARE YOU RUSHING RIGHT NOW?
Some things fail not because God said no
—but because we moved too soon.
If God said wait, don’t rush.
If God said stay, don’t force movement.
If God is silent, trust His timing.
Destiny is not only about what God promised
—but when He said it should happen.
🙏 SALVATION PRAYER
If you desire to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, pray sincerely:
Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I need Your mercy.
I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again.
Today, I repent and surrender my life completely to You.
I receive Jesus as my Lord and my Saviour.
From this moment, I choose Your will, Your way, and Your timing.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
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The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
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