Introduction
In a recent sermon, I spoke about the one item Saul forgot to pack on his way to becoming a king; courage. Courage simply means taking the right action despite fear. Cowardice is the opposite, failure to take the right action in the face of fear. Biblical characters often highlight the good and bad sides of humanity, and we would be wise to consider what each can teach us about life.
Saul’s Journey
Saul’s extraordinary rise begins with an ordinary task—searching for lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3). Yet, what unfolds is anything but ordinary. God uses this simple mission to set Saul on a path to kingship. God often uses mundane moments to initiate our most profound spiritual encounters.
Saul’s Transformation
As Saul meets the prophet Samuel, he receives an unexpected prophecy: he will be transformed into a leader (1 Samuel 10:6). And he is reluctant at first saying, “Am I not from the clan of Benjamin, the least of the tribes of Israel?” He wasn’t ready to be a leader, and he knew it. As he walks away from Samuel, his heart is changed, from unwilling to willing. This is a pivotal moment, for it’s here that the Holy Spirit works inside Saul, giving him a new heart and the potential for great courage. Despite this divine intervention, Saul’s story is marred by moments of fear and hesitation, reflecting our own struggles when faced with challenges.
Saul's Baggage
The moment came to annoit Saul to be king of Israel, and as Samuel was introducing him, he was no where to be found. And the people looked everywhere. Finally, the sought the Lord in prayer, and God revealed his location. So where was this young leader with the transformed heart? He was hiding among the baggage. This is a funny sight because Saul was a head taller than the rest of the men in Israel. Often, we don't feel ready for the purpose God has on our lives, and we come into the role with baggage, hiding our potential for greatness.
A Mirror to Our Lives
We like to see ourselves as David, the faithful shepherd boy who became a great king. Yet, if we're honest, we often embody Saul more than David. Saul is our blindspot—the reflection of our fears and insecurities, even when equipped with a new heart by the Holy Spirit. This realization is uncomfortable but necessary for genuine spiritual growth. Saul forgot his keys to courage when he assumed his leadership role so let’s help him find his keys.
3 Keys to Courage
Courage is Contagious: Saul’s leadership instilled fear in his followers “they trembled” in the face of their enemy and what they might do. Saul’s son Jonathan in contrast took right action that spread to the people. When Jonathan, Saul’s son, displays bravery against the Philistines, it inspires others to act (1 Samuel 14:6-15). His courage demonstrates how our own acts of bravery can ignite faith and right action in others.
Courage Keeps Cool under Pressure: Saul’s impatience at Gilgal, where he fails to wait for Samuel to perform a sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14), shows the importance of trusting in God’s timing. True courage involves waiting on God’s signals, not rushing ahead based on our anxieties. It was costly for Saul because God rejected his leadership and sought another, David, who wasn’t even born yet to replace him. Saul reigned 40 more years which demonstrates God’s mercy and patience with young leaders.
Courage Picks the Right Fights: While Saul hesitates, Jonathan chooses to engage the enemy, trusting in God’s deliverance (1 Samuel 14). Jonathan famously says, “perhaps God” will act on their behalf, and him and his armor bearer attack the enemy’s camp throwing them into confusion when God does act on behalf of Israel. This discernment in choosing battles wisely is a mark of spiritual maturity and courage.
Applying Saul’s Lessons Today
Reflecting on Saul’s story, we see the vital role courage plays in fulfilling our purpose. It’s not enough to be called and equipped; we must also actively engage our faith and the Holy Spirit’s power to step into the roles God has designed for us. Like Saul, we may feel less than others or reluctant to take on a leadership role. But God is with us and will transform our hearts if we simply obey. Transformation takes place on the way, in the process of becoming.
Conclusion
Saul’s story, especially his oversight in not packing courage, offers us a lens to examine our own spiritual preparedness. Are we packing courage on our spiritual journey? Let's draw from Saul’s lessons to better equip ourselves for the challenges and calls God places before us.
Call to Action
If you’re looking to deepen your spiritual understanding and embrace the courage that God offers, join me in ACT on Faith for spiritual direction. Together, we can explore how to integrate courage into our daily lives and respond boldly to God’s call. Contact me today to embark on a journey of spiritual courage and transformation.
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