Topic: Self Or Spirit-Driven
Text: I Samuel 11:1-15
KEY VERSE: The Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became extremely angry. – 1 Samuel 11:6(AMP)
Who is in the driver’s seat of your life? Who determines how you respond in the face of challenges? Who decides how you appropriate your resources? Your answers to these questions will be an indicator to know if you are Self or Spirit-driven.
Once Saul was anointed King, the Ammonites threatened the people of Jabesh in Israel; they knew they were no match to this enemy nation, so they cried out until Saul heard them.
By his natural disposition, Saul would not have responded in the way he did except by the prompting of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he became furious and rose to mobilize the people to go into battle.
Man naturally is self-preserving, and when a situation is not directly affecting him is not quick to respond. By the Spirit of God, we can take up the cause of the Lord.
The Spirit of the Lord gave Saul the strategy to call out the men for battle; he didn’t need to run to Samuel to ask for direction. As God’s children, we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. Have you received the gift from God?
The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen. – John 16:13 CEV
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] – Philippians 4:13 AMP
God has not called us to self-sufficiency but to depend on Christ for all we need to be, who we are, and do what we are called to do.
Depending on ourselves leads to failure. You may achieve results, but the outcomes may not bring glory to God, whose ambassador you are.
So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31(AMP)
Who gets the credit for the successes you have? Saul invited the people to join him in battle in his name and Samuel. He acknowledged that his leadership would need the support of Samuel, an older leader. To live intentionally, ask yourself who to look up to in your life pursuit? Do you act like you are competent in all areas and need no one’s help or support?
Saul got it right here; by including Samuels’ name, he was also reaching out to those who still preferred the leadership of Samuel.
What steps have you taken to collaborate and partner with others in the assignment God has given you? It is proof of your humility to admit that you cannot do it all yourself. God designed man to function as a team in the family, marriage, and the Church. Stronger teams are more efficient even in the workplace, so calm down and consider others.
But Saul said, “No man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has brought victory to Israel.” – 1 Samuel 11:13 AMP
A man who is Spirit-driven always gives God the glory for his achievements. Pride is a temptation that leaders struggle with, but when God takes leadership and gets the credit for it, the devil has no room to plant pride in our hearts.
Earlier, some men had rejected the leadership of Saul, probably because he looked weak or incompetent; after the victory in battle, Saul refused to avenge himself. Don’t defend yourself when you face rejection; let God fight for you.
Prayer
Father, help us see how much more we can achieve when we allow you to take the lead in our lives, for you have all power and wisdom to accomplish much more through us, we yield ourselves completely to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Ada
Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash