A Time & A Season

And it grieved Samuel and he cried out to the Lord all night.  1Sam. 15:11

Saul had once again disobeyed God.  He was caught not only in a lie but with the very best of the spoils of war.  His rebellion, and stubbornness would cost him his title and anointing as king of Israel.  And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to God all night.

Samuel knew he would be God’s messenger to Saul.  Giving Saul whatever consequences God deemed appropriate.  He grieved for Saul who he had anointed as king, he grieved for Israel, a people who wanted a king, and he grieved after God’s heart for one who was righteous to lead His chosen people.

God has brought those into my life who have had such a hope, a huge calling, a future so bright, but who chose to walk in pride, rebellion, and stubbornness.  Those we pray for, intercede for, cry out for, yet choose to continue down the path of destruction.  The anointing eventually lifting.  Another chosen to take their place.  The fire fading, the light dimming, and our hearts break.

In 1Sam. 16:1 God asks Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul…..”  In other words it’s time to move on, continuing what God has purposed to be done now.  There’s a saying, ” God puts people in our lives for a time, a season, and a lifetime. ”  When those seasons end, it does feel like a death, and we do mourn.  But then it’s time to move on.  Saul was to go find and anoint a new king, a new season.  Not easy, but necessary.  A time to turn mourning into gladness as God sets forth to do a new thing.

Father, let us, help us to see end of seasons, as opportunity for new things, new adventures.  Turning our sadness & mourning into gladness as we set our eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Moving into the next season, the next great thing you have for us.