If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.—James 1:5 (NKJV)
Have you ever stopped to think about how many decisions we make daily? There can be times when our decision making can become overwhelming and confused. Some decisions can be easier than others. But what happens when the tough ones come, and the choices we try to make are difficult?
Everyday we have to make decisions and we strive to do what we think is best, and yet we sometimes end up making wrong decisions. Some can create major changes in our lives, as well as the lives of others around us.
Even through God knows what is best for us, He gives us freedom to make our own decisions. Making the right decisions, especially the tough ones, should be bring us closer to God. When making tough decisions we should always try to make sure they line up with the will of God, and not our emotions or feelings. That’s because at times what we ‘think’ is best, is not God’s will for us, and may cause us to make the wrong decision. Over the years, I made many decisions, and some were based on emotions, which did not turn out so good. But later on, I realised the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom.
In 1 Samuel 13:1-14 King Saul of Israel had a major decision to make which would affect an entire nation for years to come. He was faced with a crisis when his army was divided between him and his son Jonathan. When the Philistines heard of it, they brought a very large and powerful army up to defeat Israel. The people panicked and many deserted Saul. Earlier the prophet Samuel instructed King Saul to wait seven days for him to come to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace to the Lord (1 Samuel 10:8). Saul waited until the 7th day, but became impatient and made the decision to offer the sacrifices himself. (1 Samuel 13:8). As soon as he was finished Samuel arrived (1 Sam. 13:9-10). Saul’s impatience led him to make the wrong decision.
He did not make his decision by seeking God first. When Samuel told King Saul that he had disobeyed the Lord, Saul started making excuses (v. 11). On the surface, it appears that Samuel is late, that the survival of Saul and the nation is doubtful unless someone acts very quickly, and that Saul certainly seems to be the man to do so. The result in this incident cost Saul’s offspring the hope of ever ruling in their father’s place. He disobeyed the commandment of God (vv. 13-14). God therefore removed Saul’s kingdom because he feared man instead of God.
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