When Fear Hijacks Your Life (1 Samuel 13) | Rise and Ruin | Mike Kelsey

Good morning. Good morning. How's Good morning. Good morning. How's everybody doing this morning? everybody doing this morning? everybody doing this morning? >> We good this morning? We ready to dive >> We good this morning? We ready to dive >> We good this morning? We ready to dive into God's word this morning? into God's word this morning? into God's word this morning? >> Yep. Uh well, it's good uh to be here. I >> Yep. Uh well, it's good uh to be here. I >> Yep. Uh well, it's good uh to be here. I want to welcome those of you who are new want to welcome those of you who are new want to welcome those of you who are new to our church. Uh my name is Mike. I'm to our church. Uh my name is Mike. I'm to our church. Uh my name is Mike. I'm one of the pastors here. Uh it's such a one of the pastors here. Uh it's such a one of the pastors here. Uh it's such a joy uh to have you here with us today. joy uh to have you here with us today. joy uh to have you here with us today. We're one church in five different We're one church in five different We're one church in five different locations around the DC metro area. And locations around the DC metro area. And locations around the DC metro area. And so uh I want to welcome those of you out so uh I want to welcome those of you out so uh I want to welcome those of you out of McGomery County and Lowden, of McGomery County and Lowden, of McGomery County and Lowden, Arlington, and Prince William. Uh Arlington, and Prince William. Uh Arlington, and Prince William. Uh everybody who's watching online uh we're everybody who's watching online uh we're everybody who's watching online uh we're glad that you are joining with us uh glad that you are joining with us uh glad that you are joining with us uh today. Uh as we uh celebrate this today. Uh as we uh celebrate this today. Uh as we uh celebrate this weekend 250 years uh as a nation uh man weekend 250 years uh as a nation uh man weekend 250 years uh as a nation uh man I'm I'm reminded uh that the church uh I'm I'm reminded uh that the church uh I'm I'm reminded uh that the church uh in America has not always gotten it in America has not always gotten it in America has not always gotten it right. But God has always preserved right. But God has always preserved right. But God has always preserved faithful brothers and sisters in our faithful brothers and sisters in our faithful brothers and sisters in our country uh to proclaim the good news of country uh to proclaim the good news of country uh to proclaim the good news of the gospel and to model what the gospel and to model what the gospel and to model what Christlikkeness looks like. And I Christlikkeness looks like. And I Christlikkeness looks like. And I believe uh we have that responsibility believe uh we have that responsibility believe uh we have that responsibility on our shoulders as Christians in 2026 on our shoulders as Christians in 2026 on our shoulders as Christians in 2026 to do that for the generation that God to do that for the generation that God to do that for the generation that God has raised us up in. And we do that uh has raised us up in. And we do that uh has raised us up in. And we do that uh in everyday ways uh just as normal in everyday ways uh just as normal in everyday ways uh just as normal everyday Christians. And if you're not a everyday Christians. And if you're not a everyday Christians. And if you're not a Christian, uh I apologize upfront. We do Christian, uh I apologize upfront. We do Christian, uh I apologize upfront. We do it imperfectly. I do it imperfectly. Uh it imperfectly. I do it imperfectly. Uh it imperfectly. I do it imperfectly. Uh but we do it genuinely uh because we but we do it genuinely uh because we but we do it genuinely uh because we want to represent Jesus. We want as many want to represent Jesus. We want as many want to represent Jesus. We want as many people as possible to know who God is

people as possible to know who God is people as possible to know who God is and the good news of what he's done uh and the good news of what he's done uh and the good news of what he's done uh through Jesus. So we do that in all the through Jesus. So we do that in all the through Jesus. So we do that in all the different ways that we uh attempt to do different ways that we uh attempt to do different ways that we uh attempt to do that by God's grace. Uh including uh that by God's grace. Uh including uh that by God's grace. Uh including uh from this pullpit. Um I uh by God's from this pullpit. Um I uh by God's from this pullpit. Um I uh by God's grace stand on the shoulders of brothers grace stand on the shoulders of brothers grace stand on the shoulders of brothers and sisters in our church family who and sisters in our church family who and sisters in our church family who have been teaching and preaching the have been teaching and preaching the have been teaching and preaching the word of God for as long as Mlan Bible word of God for as long as Mlan Bible word of God for as long as Mlan Bible Church uh has existed. And so every time Church uh has existed. And so every time Church uh has existed. And so every time we stand up here, we stand up here with we stand up here, we stand up here with we stand up here, we stand up here with the commitment and intention uh to uh the commitment and intention uh to uh the commitment and intention uh to uh unashamedly and clearly proclaim the unashamedly and clearly proclaim the unashamedly and clearly proclaim the truth of God's word and the good news uh truth of God's word and the good news uh truth of God's word and the good news uh of the gospel. And so we take that of the gospel. And so we take that of the gospel. And so we take that responsibility seriously uh as preachers responsibility seriously uh as preachers responsibility seriously uh as preachers even when we invite uh guest preachers even when we invite uh guest preachers even when we invite uh guest preachers uh to our church. Uh we are continuing uh to our church. Uh we are continuing uh to our church. Uh we are continuing uh in our study of the life of King uh in our study of the life of King uh in our study of the life of King Saul, a series called Rise and Ruin. And Saul, a series called Rise and Ruin. And Saul, a series called Rise and Ruin. And uh today we'll be in 1st Samuel 13. But uh today we'll be in 1st Samuel 13. But uh today we'll be in 1st Samuel 13. But before we dive into that, uh have you before we dive into that, uh have you before we dive into that, uh have you ever looked back on a decision and ever looked back on a decision and ever looked back on a decision and honestly wondered what was I thinking? honestly wondered what was I thinking? honestly wondered what was I thinking? Yeah, we've we've we've been there Yeah, we've we've we've been there Yeah, we've we've we've been there before, kids, students, y'all been before, kids, students, y'all been before, kids, students, y'all been there. We've all been there before where there. We've all been there before where there. We've all been there before where you look back on a decision and you you look back on a decision and you you look back on a decision and you think to yourself, "What was I think to yourself, "What was I think to yourself, "What was I thinking?" Uh, and there's actually a uh thinking?" Uh, and there's actually a uh thinking?" Uh, and there's actually a uh a term, a phrase that's used um and and a term, a phrase that's used um and and a term, a phrase that's used um and and a a phenomena, a dynamic that uh really a a phenomena, a dynamic that uh really a a phenomena, a dynamic that uh really drives us into those moments.

drives us into those moments. drives us into those moments. Neuroscientists tell us that when your Neuroscientists tell us that when your Neuroscientists tell us that when your brain perceives a serious threat, brain perceives a serious threat, brain perceives a serious threat, something fascinating happens. uh the something fascinating happens. uh the something fascinating happens. uh the amygdala which kind of don't write me if amygdala which kind of don't write me if amygdala which kind of don't write me if you're a neuroscientist but this is like you're a neuroscientist but this is like you're a neuroscientist but this is like my lamest definition but like the kind my lamest definition but like the kind my lamest definition but like the kind of emotion focused part of your brain of emotion focused part of your brain of emotion focused part of your brain kind of takes over or hijacks the more kind of takes over or hijacks the more kind of takes over or hijacks the more rational part of your brain and suddenly rational part of your brain and suddenly rational part of your brain and suddenly you're not thinking logically or you're not thinking logically or you're not thinking logically or carefully anymore you're reacting your carefully anymore you're reacting your carefully anymore you're reacting your world shrinks and all you see is the world shrinks and all you see is the world shrinks and all you see is the danger uh in front of you psychologists danger uh in front of you psychologists danger uh in front of you psychologists often use the term amygdala hijack often use the term amygdala hijack often use the term amygdala hijack everybody say amygdala hijack everybody say amygdala hijack everybody say amygdala hijack >> amydala hijack I guarantee you ain't say >> amydala hijack I guarantee you ain't say >> amydala hijack I guarantee you ain't say it right. Amigdala, I don't know if I it right. Amigdala, I don't know if I it right. Amigdala, I don't know if I noticed I said it right. Amydala hijack. noticed I said it right. Amydala hijack. noticed I said it right. Amydala hijack. They use that term to describe those They use that term to describe those They use that term to describe those moments where fear overwhelms our moments where fear overwhelms our moments where fear overwhelms our ability to think clearly. And uh the ability to think clearly. And uh the ability to think clearly. And uh the same thing can happen to us spiritually. same thing can happen to us spiritually. same thing can happen to us spiritually. In fact, the same thing has happened to In fact, the same thing has happened to In fact, the same thing has happened to many of us spiritually so many times. many of us spiritually so many times. many of us spiritually so many times. Fear can hijack your faith.

Fear can hijack your faith. Fear can hijack your faith. Anybody know that to be true? Fear can Anybody know that to be true? Fear can Anybody know that to be true? Fear can hijack your faith. And when it does, hijack your faith. And when it does, hijack your faith. And when it does, even people with the best intentions, even people with the best intentions, even people with the best intentions, even people who genuinely love God can even people who genuinely love God can even people who genuinely love God can make decisions uh that they'll regret uh make decisions uh that they'll regret uh make decisions uh that they'll regret uh in the long term. And so today, we're in the long term. And so today, we're in the long term. And so today, we're going to watch that happen in real time going to watch that happen in real time going to watch that happen in real time uh in the life of King Saul. So before uh in the life of King Saul. So before uh in the life of King Saul. So before we dive in uh to 1 Corinthians chapter we dive in uh to 1 Corinthians chapter we dive in uh to 1 Corinthians chapter 13, why don't you take a minute uh just 13, why don't you take a minute uh just 13, why don't you take a minute uh just between you and God uh and ask God to between you and God uh and ask God to between you and God uh and ask God to speak? Man, we we know from scripture speak? Man, we we know from scripture speak? Man, we we know from scripture that God said, "Let there be light." And that God said, "Let there be light." And that God said, "Let there be light." And there was light. there was light. there was light. >> What that tells us is God doesn't just >> What that tells us is God doesn't just >> What that tells us is God doesn't just speak through his word. He works through speak through his word. He works through speak through his word. He works through his word. his word. his word. >> And he has an assignment. He has a plan >> And he has an assignment. He has a plan >> And he has an assignment. He has a plan to actually do something every single to actually do something every single to actually do something every single time you read God's word or you hear time you read God's word or you hear time you read God's word or you hear God's word accurately preached. And so, God's word accurately preached. And so, God's word accurately preached. And so, he has a plan to do something in your he has a plan to do something in your he has a plan to do something in your heart and in your life today. Okay. So, heart and in your life today. Okay. So, heart and in your life today. Okay. So, take a minute between you and God to take a minute between you and God to take a minute between you and God to quiet your heart and ask him to speak quiet your heart and ask him to speak quiet your heart and ask him to speak and to work.

Father, we pause in reverence for Father, we pause in reverence for your word and Lord in great anticipation your word and Lord in great anticipation your word and Lord in great anticipation of what you have to say to us through of what you have to say to us through of what you have to say to us through your word. your word. your word. We give you our attention and we pray We give you our attention and we pray We give you our attention and we pray that you would not only speak but work that you would not only speak but work that you would not only speak but work by the power of your Holy Spirit. In by the power of your Holy Spirit. In by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name we pray. And if you agree, Jesus name we pray. And if you agree, Jesus name we pray. And if you agree, everybody said, everybody said, everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Let me give you uh a little bit of Let me give you uh a little bit of Let me give you uh a little bit of context uh before we dive in here. Uh context uh before we dive in here. Uh context uh before we dive in here. Uh first Corin uh Samuel uh chapter 13. Uh first Corin uh Samuel uh chapter 13. Uh first Corin uh Samuel uh chapter 13. Uh Saul has now been king for about uh two Saul has now been king for about uh two Saul has now been king for about uh two or so years. And he's facing a threat or so years. And he's facing a threat or so years. And he's facing a threat from the Philistines. And we've seen the from the Philistines. And we've seen the from the Philistines. And we've seen the Philistines uh before. We've bumped into Philistines uh before. We've bumped into Philistines uh before. We've bumped into them multiple times at this point in 1 them multiple times at this point in 1 them multiple times at this point in 1 Samuel. They're kind of Israel's Samuel. They're kind of Israel's Samuel. They're kind of Israel's perennial perennial enemy here. and perennial perennial enemy here. and perennial perennial enemy here. and Israel, remember uh uh in the time of Israel, remember uh uh in the time of Israel, remember uh uh in the time of the judges, they would kind of pull the judges, they would kind of pull the judges, they would kind of pull together these ad hoc militias whenever together these ad hoc militias whenever together these ad hoc militias whenever they would face a threat. But now, uh they would face a threat. But now, uh they would face a threat. But now, uh Israel has a king for the first time, Israel has a king for the first time, Israel has a king for the first time, King Saul. And so, they finally have a King Saul. And so, they finally have a King Saul. And so, they finally have a standing army. And Saul's son Jonathan standing army. And Saul's son Jonathan standing army. And Saul's son Jonathan launches a successful attack against a launches a successful attack against a launches a successful attack against a Philistine outpost. But it triggers a Philistine outpost. But it triggers a Philistine outpost. But it triggers a war that they aren't prepared for. And war that they aren't prepared for. And war that they aren't prepared for. And the and the Philistines respond. They the and the Philistines respond. They the and the Philistines respond. They mobilized with overwhelming mobilized with overwhelming mobilized with overwhelming force. And so we pick up the story in force. And so we pick up the story in force. And so we pick up the story in 1st Samuel chapter 13 verse 5. It says, 1st Samuel chapter 13 verse 5. It says, 1st Samuel chapter 13 verse 5. It says, "And the Philistines mustered to fight "And the Philistines mustered to fight "And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel." Y'all look at how they with Israel." Y'all look at how they with Israel." Y'all look at how they showed up. 30,000 chariots and 6,000

showed up. 30,000 chariots and 6,000 showed up. 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen and troops like the sand on the horsemen and troops like the sand on the horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and seashore in multitude. They came up and seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth Haven. Now, let me explain what's about Haven. Now, let me explain what's about Haven. Now, let me explain what's about to happen uh in in this story. I to happen uh in in this story. I to happen uh in in this story. I remember uh this was back in the day remember uh this was back in the day remember uh this was back in the day when Facebook was like the the when Facebook was like the the when Facebook was like the the preeminent social media platform. All preeminent social media platform. All preeminent social media platform. All right. So, uh I was active on uh right. So, uh I was active on uh right. So, uh I was active on uh Facebook back then and I I this is Facebook back then and I I this is Facebook back then and I I this is before Instagram and Tik Tok was really before Instagram and Tik Tok was really before Instagram and Tik Tok was really popping. And I remember this dude uh popping. And I remember this dude uh popping. And I remember this dude uh talking crazy about my brother on talking crazy about my brother on talking crazy about my brother on Facebook. Facebook. Facebook. I'm the oldest, I'm the oldest, I'm the oldest, so I had to slide in the DMs, you know, so I had to slide in the DMs, you know, so I had to slide in the DMs, you know, in a different way. And uh I just, you in a different way. And uh I just, you in a different way. And uh I just, you know, just had to let him know this is know, just had to let him know this is know, just had to let him know this is not this is not that. not this is not that. not this is not that. My man didn't even respond to my My man didn't even respond to my My man didn't even respond to my message. He just changed the banner message. He just changed the banner message. He just changed the banner photo on his Facebook page to a table. photo on his Facebook page to a table. photo on his Facebook page to a table. Nothing formal. It was like a a little Nothing formal. It was like a a little Nothing formal. It was like a a little foldout table with a bunch of foldout table with a bunch of foldout table with a bunch of semi-automatic weapons on it.

I was like, "Enough said." I I I I I I was like, "Enough said." I I I I I sent him a follow-up message and I said, sent him a follow-up message and I said, sent him a follow-up message and I said, "Dear, I don't even want to say his "Dear, I don't even want to say his "Dear, I don't even want to say his name. I said, "Dear, uh, upon further name. I said, "Dear, uh, upon further name. I said, "Dear, uh, upon further reflection, reflection, reflection, I now realize I am not about that life." I now realize I am not about that life." I now realize I am not about that life." Okay, Okay, Okay, >> I I had to backtrack. That's exactly >> I I had to backtrack. That's exactly >> I I had to backtrack. That's exactly what happens here in the story. They what happens here in the story. They what happens here in the story. They jump out there with the Philistines and jump out there with the Philistines and jump out there with the Philistines and then they realize we're in over our then they realize we're in over our then they realize we're in over our heads. Verse six. When the men of Israel heads. Verse six. When the men of Israel heads. Verse six. When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble, saw that they were in trouble, saw that they were in trouble, for the people were hardpressed, for the people were hardpressed, for the people were hardpressed, the people hid themselves in caves and the people hid themselves in caves and the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and inistns. Sistns were like these under uh inistns. Sistns were like these under uh inistns. Sistns were like these under uh ground reservoirs. They they would carve ground reservoirs. They they would carve ground reservoirs. They they would carve these reservoirs into stone into rocks these reservoirs into stone into rocks these reservoirs into stone into rocks in order to store uh water. They would in order to store uh water. They would in order to store uh water. They would hide themselves. The people hid hide themselves. The people hid hide themselves. The people hid themselves in sisterns and some uh themselves in sisterns and some uh themselves in sisterns and some uh Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead and Saul to the land of Gad and Gilead and Saul to the land of Gad and Gilead and Saul was still at Gilgal and all the people was still at Gilgal and all the people was still at Gilgal and all the people followed him trembling.

followed him trembling. followed him trembling. Now Saul's specific situation is unique, Now Saul's specific situation is unique, Now Saul's specific situation is unique, but he's facing a challenge that every but he's facing a challenge that every but he's facing a challenge that every leader here understands. He's facing a leader here understands. He's facing a leader here understands. He's facing a problem. It's his responsibility under problem. It's his responsibility under problem. It's his responsibility under his leadership to solve that problem and his leadership to solve that problem and his leadership to solve that problem and lead people through it. But everybody is lead people through it. But everybody is lead people through it. But everybody is anxious about it. They see an obstacle, anxious about it. They see an obstacle, anxious about it. They see an obstacle, not an opportunity. And so Saul is not an opportunity. And so Saul is not an opportunity. And so Saul is trying to lead in an environment of high trying to lead in an environment of high trying to lead in an environment of high anxiety and low morale. And so verse 8, anxiety and low morale. And so verse 8, anxiety and low morale. And so verse 8, he waited seven days, the time appointed he waited seven days, the time appointed he waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. We'll come back to that in a by Samuel. We'll come back to that in a by Samuel. We'll come back to that in a minute. But Samuel didn't come to minute. But Samuel didn't come to minute. But Samuel didn't come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering Gilgal, and the people were scattering Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So pause there. Put yourself from him. So pause there. Put yourself from him. So pause there. Put yourself in Saul's shoes for a minute. He waited. in Saul's shoes for a minute. He waited. in Saul's shoes for a minute. He waited. Day one. Day three. Day three. His inbox is starting to fill up. People His inbox is starting to fill up. People His inbox is starting to fill up. People are coming into his office. What are we are coming into his office. What are we are coming into his office. What are we doing? What's the plan? Why Why aren't doing? What's the plan? Why Why aren't doing? What's the plan? Why Why aren't we moving?

we moving? we moving? Day four. Day four. Day four. Day five, day six, day six, day seven. And and you can you can sense day seven. And and you can you can sense day seven. And and you can you can sense in the story the anxiety beginning to in the story the anxiety beginning to in the story the anxiety beginning to rise. Samuel still isn't there. rise. Samuel still isn't there. rise. Samuel still isn't there. Soldiers now are starting to leave. Soldiers now are starting to leave. Soldiers now are starting to leave. You can imagine Saul kind of seeing the You can imagine Saul kind of seeing the You can imagine Saul kind of seeing the dust clouds form from the Philistine dust clouds form from the Philistine dust clouds form from the Philistine army marching and getting closer and army marching and getting closer and army marching and getting closer and closer closer closer until verse 9 Saul says, until verse 9 Saul says, until verse 9 Saul says, "You know what? Bring bring me the burnt "You know what? Bring bring me the burnt "You know what? Bring bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings." offering and the peace offerings." offering and the peace offerings." And he offered the burnt offering. And he offered the burnt offering. And he offered the burnt offering. And as soon as he had finished offering And as soon as he had finished offering And as soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet And Saul went out to meet him and greet And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. And Samuel, remember Samuel is him. And Samuel, remember Samuel is him. And Samuel, remember Samuel is God's prophet. Samuel said, "Saul, what God's prophet. Samuel said, "Saul, what God's prophet. Samuel said, "Saul, what have you done?

have you done? have you done? What have you done?" What have you done?" What have you done?" And then Saul did what we all tend to And then Saul did what we all tend to And then Saul did what we all tend to do. First, he tries to rationalize his do. First, he tries to rationalize his do. First, he tries to rationalize his decision. Saul said, "When I saw that decision. Saul said, "When I saw that decision. Saul said, "When I saw that the people were were scattering from me the people were were scattering from me the people were were scattering from me and that you didn't come within the days and that you didn't come within the days and that you didn't come within the days appointed and that the Philistines had appointed and that the Philistines had appointed and that the Philistines had mustered at Mcmass, I said now the mustered at Mcmass, I said now the mustered at Mcmass, I said now the Philistines will come down against me at Philistines will come down against me at Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal." First he tries to rationalize Gilgal." First he tries to rationalize Gilgal." First he tries to rationalize his decision. Then he tries to his decision. Then he tries to his decision. Then he tries to spiritualize his decision. He says, "And spiritualize his decision. He says, "And spiritualize his decision. He says, "And I I realize I've not sought the favor of I I realize I've not sought the favor of I I realize I've not sought the favor of the Lord." He tried to make it sound the Lord." He tried to make it sound the Lord." He tried to make it sound super spiritual. super spiritual. super spiritual. And so he says, "I forced myself. I was And so he says, "I forced myself. I was And so he says, "I forced myself. I was compelled. I didn't have I didn't want compelled. I didn't have I didn't want compelled. I didn't have I didn't want to, but I didn't have any other option. to, but I didn't have any other option. to, but I didn't have any other option. And I offered the burnt offering. And I offered the burnt offering. And I offered the burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. foolishly. foolishly. You've not kept the command of the Lord You've not kept the command of the Lord You've not kept the command of the Lord your God with which he commanded you. your God with which he commanded you. your God with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established For then the Lord would have established For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. your kingdom over Israel forever. your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not But now your kingdom shall not But now your kingdom shall not continue." The Lord has sought out a man continue." The Lord has sought out a man continue." The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and the Lord has after his own heart and the Lord has after his own heart and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his commanded him to be prince over his commanded him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what people because you have not kept what people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you. And Samuel arose the Lord commanded you. And Samuel arose the Lord commanded you. And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the people went up after Saul to meet the people went up after Saul to meet the army. They went up from Gilgal to Giba army. They went up from Gilgal to Giba army. They went up from Gilgal to Giba of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, only people who were present with him, only people who were present with him, only about 600 about 600 about 600 men.

men. men. And we'll pause there for today in in in And we'll pause there for today in in in And we'll pause there for today in in in chapter 13. And Lord willing, we'll pick chapter 13. And Lord willing, we'll pick chapter 13. And Lord willing, we'll pick back up in chapter 13. But you you get back up in chapter 13. But you you get back up in chapter 13. But you you get the story. You get the situation. the story. You get the situation. the story. You get the situation. You get the pressure. You get the pressure. You get the pressure. You see the fear. You see Saul's You see the fear. You see Saul's You see the fear. You see Saul's decision decision decision in the midst of that fear when he's in the midst of that fear when he's in the midst of that fear when he's under pressure. Now, as I was reflecting under pressure. Now, as I was reflecting under pressure. Now, as I was reflecting on my own life in this story, I too have on my own life in this story, I too have on my own life in this story, I too have been a victim of the Amydala hijack. been a victim of the Amydala hijack. been a victim of the Amydala hijack. In fact, my uh my daughter just like two In fact, my uh my daughter just like two In fact, my uh my daughter just like two weeks ago, she got her her learner's weeks ago, she got her her learner's weeks ago, she got her her learner's permit. Pray for your boy. And uh so, permit. Pray for your boy. And uh so, permit. Pray for your boy. And uh so, I'm teaching her how how to drive. And I'm teaching her how how to drive. And I'm teaching her how how to drive. And in the midst of teaching her how to in the midst of teaching her how to in the midst of teaching her how to drive, I remembered when I first got my drive, I remembered when I first got my drive, I remembered when I first got my driver's license and I started driving driver's license and I started driving driver's license and I started driving and I was a a decent driver. But one and I was a a decent driver. But one and I was a a decent driver. But one day, I'm I'm coming home. I'm trying to day, I'm I'm coming home. I'm trying to day, I'm I'm coming home. I'm trying to turn into my parents driveway. turn into my parents driveway. turn into my parents driveway. I didn't get the angle right and I'm I didn't get the angle right and I'm I didn't get the angle right and I'm like staring straight at my parents' like staring straight at my parents' like staring straight at my parents' brand new mailbox. They just got one of brand new mailbox. They just got one of brand new mailbox. They just got one of those fancy like iron mailboxes or what.

those fancy like iron mailboxes or what. those fancy like iron mailboxes or what. I don't know why, but they just got this I don't know why, but they just got this I don't know why, but they just got this new like mailbox. new like mailbox. new like mailbox. And so in that moment, And so in that moment, And so in that moment, I didn't know what was happening in the I didn't know what was happening in the I didn't know what was happening in the moment. Now, I know it's the amygdala moment. Now, I know it's the amygdala moment. Now, I know it's the amygdala hijack, right? In that moment, all of my hijack, right? In that moment, all of my hijack, right? In that moment, all of my rational faculties began to shut down. rational faculties began to shut down. rational faculties began to shut down. And here's what I thought. I thought, if And here's what I thought. I thought, if And here's what I thought. I thought, if I push the accelerator harder, I push the accelerator harder, I push the accelerator harder, then I'll turn faster and I'll miss the then I'll turn faster and I'll miss the then I'll turn faster and I'll miss the mailbox. That is not how the story mailbox. That is not how the story mailbox. That is not how the story ended. I gunned the accelerator and I ended. I gunned the accelerator and I ended. I gunned the accelerator and I punted their brand new mailbox all the punted their brand new mailbox all the punted their brand new mailbox all the way across the yard. way across the yard. way across the yard. My brain just began to shut down under My brain just began to shut down under My brain just began to shut down under the pressure. My my fear just hijacked the pressure. My my fear just hijacked the pressure. My my fear just hijacked all of my my rational capacities. And all of my my rational capacities. And all of my my rational capacities. And this is what happens to us. Now, here's this is what happens to us. Now, here's this is what happens to us. Now, here's what I thought. I thought just take what I thought. I thought just take what I thought. I thought just take matters into my own hands and if I could matters into my own hands and if I could matters into my own hands and if I could just speed the situation up.

just speed the situation up. just speed the situation up. If I can just get to the destination If I can just get to the destination If I can just get to the destination that I want to get to a little bit that I want to get to a little bit that I want to get to a little bit faster, faster, faster, then everything will be okay. then everything will be okay. then everything will be okay. And this happens to all of us. And this happens to all of us. And this happens to all of us. Happens to all of us Happens to all of us Happens to all of us in small funny ways and in some pretty in small funny ways and in some pretty in small funny ways and in some pretty tragic ways in our lives. And the tragic ways in our lives. And the tragic ways in our lives. And the question we have to ask ourselves is, question we have to ask ourselves is, question we have to ask ourselves is, man, how do you know? How do you know man, how do you know? How do you know man, how do you know? How do you know when this is happening to you? How do when this is happening to you? How do when this is happening to you? How do you know when your fear is hijacking you know when your fear is hijacking you know when your fear is hijacking your faith? your faith? your faith? Well, we see three symptoms Well, we see three symptoms Well, we see three symptoms here in King Saul's life. How do you here in King Saul's life. How do you here in King Saul's life. How do you know when fear is is hijacking your know when fear is is hijacking your know when fear is is hijacking your faith? Symptom number one, it causes you faith? Symptom number one, it causes you faith? Symptom number one, it causes you to take God out of the equation. to take God out of the equation. to take God out of the equation. It causes you to take God out of the It causes you to take God out of the It causes you to take God out of the equation. Let me show you what I mean. equation. Let me show you what I mean. equation. Let me show you what I mean. Look at how the Philistines are Look at how the Philistines are Look at how the Philistines are described uh in verse 5. Uh 1st Samuel described uh in verse 5. Uh 1st Samuel described uh in verse 5. Uh 1st Samuel 13:5 it says, "And the Philistines 13:5 it says, "And the Philistines 13:5 it says, "And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel 30,000 mustered to fight with Israel 30,000 mustered to fight with Israel 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen." And listen chariots and 6,000 horsemen." And listen chariots and 6,000 horsemen." And listen to this description. "And troops as many to this description. "And troops as many to this description. "And troops as many as the sand on the seashore in as the sand on the seashore in as the sand on the seashore in multitude." Now, here's the thing. We multitude." Now, here's the thing. We multitude." Now, here's the thing. We see that language earlier in the Bible see that language earlier in the Bible see that language earlier in the Bible when God's people first come into the when God's people first come into the when God's people first come into the promised land under the leadership of promised land under the leadership of promised land under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua chapter 11 verse4 very Joshua. Joshua chapter 11 verse4 very Joshua. Joshua chapter 11 verse4 very similar situation Joshua is leading similar situation Joshua is leading similar situation Joshua is leading God's people and they come up against uh God's people and they come up against uh God's people and they come up against uh another military threat and it says another military threat and it says another military threat and it says verse four and they came out talking verse four and they came out talking verse four and they came out talking about the the enemy army that came out about the the enemy army that came out about the the enemy army that came out with all their troops a great horde in

with all their troops a great horde in with all their troops a great horde in number like the sand that is on the number like the sand that is on the number like the sand that is on the seashore with very many horses and seashore with very many horses and seashore with very many horses and chariots and all these kings joined chariots and all these kings joined chariots and all these kings joined their forces. So they created this this their forces. So they created this this their forces. So they created this this enemy coalition and came in a camp uh enemy coalition and came in a camp uh enemy coalition and came in a camp uh together at the waters of to fight together at the waters of to fight together at the waters of to fight against Israel. And the Lord said to against Israel. And the Lord said to against Israel. And the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give all of tomorrow at this time I will give all of tomorrow at this time I will give all of them uh all of them over to you, slain them uh all of them over to you, slain them uh all of them over to you, slain to Israel. You shall hamstring their to Israel. You shall hamstring their to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with horses and burn their chariots with horses and burn their chariots with fire." And that's exactly what happened. fire." And that's exactly what happened. fire." And that's exactly what happened. God rescued them out of that situation. God rescued them out of that situation. God rescued them out of that situation. Now fast forward back to our story, 1st Now fast forward back to our story, 1st Now fast forward back to our story, 1st Samuel chapter 13. God's people in 1st Samuel chapter 13. God's people in 1st Samuel chapter 13. God's people in 1st Samuel 13 know that story Samuel 13 know that story Samuel 13 know that story like this is one of the legendary like this is one of the legendary like this is one of the legendary stories in the history of their nation. stories in the history of their nation. stories in the history of their nation. They would have been telling this story They would have been telling this story They would have been telling this story over and over and over and over again over and over and over and over again over and over and over and over again throughout generations. They knew the throughout generations. They knew the throughout generations. They knew the history of God's miraculous power. They history of God's miraculous power. They history of God's miraculous power. They knew the history of God's steadfast knew the history of God's steadfast knew the history of God's steadfast love. They knew the history of God's love. They knew the history of God's love. They knew the history of God's unchanging faithfulness. And they hadn't unchanging faithfulness. And they hadn't unchanging faithfulness. And they hadn't just heard about God's work in the past.

just heard about God's work in the past. just heard about God's work in the past. They had experienced God's work in their They had experienced God's work in their They had experienced God's work in their own lives. We studied some of these own lives. We studied some of these own lives. We studied some of these examples already in 1 Samuel. You might examples already in 1 Samuel. You might examples already in 1 Samuel. You might remember chapter 4 when the Philistines remember chapter 4 when the Philistines remember chapter 4 when the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant. captured the ark of the covenant. captured the ark of the covenant. And you remember God went crazy in every And you remember God went crazy in every And you remember God went crazy in every Philistine camp. It was like this parade Philistine camp. It was like this parade Philistine camp. It was like this parade of victory of God's glory where he of victory of God's glory where he of victory of God's glory where he showed that he didn't even need the showed that he didn't even need the showed that he didn't even need the Israelites in order to show how strong Israelites in order to show how strong Israelites in order to show how strong he is. And everywhere the ark of the he is. And everywhere the ark of the he is. And everywhere the ark of the covenant went, man, he wre havoc to the covenant went, man, he wre havoc to the covenant went, man, he wre havoc to the point where the Philistines just sent point where the Philistines just sent point where the Philistines just sent the ark of the covenant back and said, the ark of the covenant back and said, the ark of the covenant back and said, "We got to get rid of this thing." "We got to get rid of this thing." "We got to get rid of this thing." In chapter 11, God empowered his people In chapter 11, God empowered his people In chapter 11, God empowered his people to defeat the Ammonites. So, here's the to defeat the Ammonites. So, here's the to defeat the Ammonites. So, here's the question we got to ask ourselves. If question we got to ask ourselves. If question we got to ask ourselves. If they knew about God's power in the past they knew about God's power in the past they knew about God's power in the past just through scripture and if they had just through scripture and if they had just through scripture and if they had experienced God's power in their own experienced God's power in their own experienced God's power in their own lives, then why didn't they trust God? lives, then why didn't they trust God? lives, then why didn't they trust God? Well, we see why in verse 6. We see why. Well, we see why in verse 6. We see why. Well, we see why in verse 6. We see why. And this is something all of us can And this is something all of us can And this is something all of us can identify with. Chapter 13:6. It says, identify with. Chapter 13:6. It says, identify with. Chapter 13:6. It says, "When the men of Israel saw that they "When the men of Israel saw that they "When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble, and here's the key were in trouble, and here's the key were in trouble, and here's the key phrase, for the people were hardpressed.

phrase, for the people were hardpressed. phrase, for the people were hardpressed. The people hid themselves in caves and The people hid themselves in caves and The people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in sistns. That description they were in sistns. That description they were in sistns. That description they were hardpressed. hardpressed. hardpressed. That word is a very vivid word in the That word is a very vivid word in the That word is a very vivid word in the original Hebrew language. It's the sense original Hebrew language. It's the sense original Hebrew language. It's the sense of being squeezed or trapped by of being squeezed or trapped by of being squeezed or trapped by circumstances beyond one's control. It's circumstances beyond one's control. It's circumstances beyond one's control. It's a feeling of being physically and a feeling of being physically and a feeling of being physically and psychologically overwhelmed. One psychologically overwhelmed. One psychologically overwhelmed. One commentary put it this way, "Hardpressed commentary put it this way, "Hardpressed commentary put it this way, "Hardpressed isn't abstract anxiety. It's the isn't abstract anxiety. It's the isn't abstract anxiety. It's the sensation of being compressed, hemmed in sensation of being compressed, hemmed in sensation of being compressed, hemmed in with escape roots closing. with escape roots closing. with escape roots closing. >> And isn't that what life feels like? >> And isn't that what life feels like? >> And isn't that what life feels like? Anybody felt that way before? >> You felt that way before where where you >> You felt that way before where where you feel hemmed in. You feel like like your feel hemmed in. You feel like like your feel hemmed in. You feel like like your options are are are slipping away before options are are are slipping away before options are are are slipping away before you, like the walls are closing in, like you, like the walls are closing in, like you, like the walls are closing in, like the window is closing on the on the only the window is closing on the on the only the window is closing on the on the only opportunities you can think of to get opportunities you can think of to get opportunities you can think of to get out of the situation you find yourself out of the situation you find yourself out of the situation you find yourself in or to get the thing that you think in or to get the thing that you think in or to get the thing that you think you need or the thing that you desire.

you need or the thing that you desire. you need or the thing that you desire. We know what it feels like to be We know what it feels like to be We know what it feels like to be hardpressed. And in those moments, hardpressed. And in those moments, hardpressed. And in those moments, here's the thought process that starts here's the thought process that starts here's the thought process that starts to control us even when we're not to control us even when we're not to control us even when we're not consciously aware of it. Here's the consciously aware of it. Here's the consciously aware of it. Here's the thought process. We'll put it up on the thought process. We'll put it up on the thought process. We'll put it up on the screen. If I don't blank, then blank screen. If I don't blank, then blank screen. If I don't blank, then blank will happen or blank won't happen. This will happen or blank won't happen. This will happen or blank won't happen. This is the thought process, even when we're is the thought process, even when we're is the thought process, even when we're not aware of it, that is driving so much not aware of it, that is driving so much not aware of it, that is driving so much of our decisions and so much of our of our decisions and so much of our of our decisions and so much of our life. If I don't fill in the blank, then life. If I don't fill in the blank, then life. If I don't fill in the blank, then something I'm afraid of is going to something I'm afraid of is going to something I'm afraid of is going to happen or something I won't is not going happen or something I won't is not going happen or something I won't is not going to happen. to happen. to happen. if if I don't cut those corners or or if if I don't cut those corners or or if if I don't cut those corners or or compromise in the way that my colleagues compromise in the way that my colleagues compromise in the way that my colleagues do or my industries do because this is do or my industries do because this is do or my industries do because this is kind of this is just just industry kind of this is just just industry kind of this is just just industry standard to do it this way. If if I standard to do it this way. If if I standard to do it this way. If if I don't if if I don't at this point in my life if if I don't at this point in my life just date this unbeliever because just date this unbeliever because just date this unbeliever because they're a very nice guy, very nice girl, they're a very nice guy, very nice girl, they're a very nice guy, very nice girl, lot of integrity, enjoy being together.

lot of integrity, enjoy being together. lot of integrity, enjoy being together. If I don't if I don't draw a hard line and let this if I don't draw a hard line and let this person know, oh, you won't disrespect person know, oh, you won't disrespect person know, oh, you won't disrespect me. If I if I don't take matters into my me. If I if I don't take matters into my me. If I if I don't take matters into my own hands, own hands, own hands, that's the thought process. When fear that's the thought process. When fear that's the thought process. When fear hijacks our faith, if I don't do this, hijacks our faith, if I don't do this, hijacks our faith, if I don't do this, then I won't or I will then I won't or I will then I won't or I will fill in the blank. fill in the blank. fill in the blank. And this can be true on a personal And this can be true on a personal And this can be true on a personal level. It can also be true, let me just level. It can also be true, let me just level. It can also be true, let me just confess as a pastor, this can be true on confess as a pastor, this can be true on confess as a pastor, this can be true on a ministry level. a ministry level. a ministry level. When fear begins to hijack our faith, when we begin to fear, when we begin to fear, numbers dwindle. We begin to fear that numbers dwindle. We begin to fear that numbers dwindle. We begin to fear that we're not as popular as this preacher or we're not as popular as this preacher or we're not as popular as this preacher or this minister or or this church. this minister or or this church. this minister or or this church. And we think, well, if I don't And we think, well, if I don't And we think, well, if I don't compromise biblical truth, compromise biblical truth, compromise biblical truth, if if if I if I don't compromise God's if if if I if I don't compromise God's if if if I if I don't compromise God's priorities for the church, all of us know what this feels like.

all of us know what this feels like. But do what do you notice about that But do what do you notice about that But do what do you notice about that thought process? thought process? thought process? God isn't in it. God isn't in it. God isn't in it. If if I don't If if I don't If if I don't If if I don't if I don't God isn't in If if I don't if I don't God isn't in If if I don't if I don't God isn't in it. it. it. And the question is like when we feel And the question is like when we feel And the question is like when we feel like if I don't do this then I won't like if I don't do this then I won't like if I don't do this then I won't have what I need. The question is is have what I need. The question is is have what I need. The question is is that actually true? Like is your future that actually true? Like is your future that actually true? Like is your future ultimately dependent on your power? Are ultimately dependent on your power? Are ultimately dependent on your power? Are your options only limited to what you your options only limited to what you your options only limited to what you can see and control? Is your life really can see and control? Is your life really can see and control? Is your life really in your hands or is it ultimately in in your hands or is it ultimately in in your hands or is it ultimately in God's hands? God's hands? God's hands? >> So I want you to do a little exercise >> So I want you to do a little exercise >> So I want you to do a little exercise with me. It's going to feel weird for a with me. It's going to feel weird for a with me. It's going to feel weird for a moment. Just go with me. Can we do it? moment. Just go with me. Can we do it? moment. Just go with me. Can we do it? >> Thank you. Thank you. We're going to do >> Thank you. Thank you. We're going to do >> Thank you. Thank you. We're going to do it anyway. All right. All right. I want it anyway. All right. All right. I want it anyway. All right. All right. I want you to I want you to close one of your you to I want you to close one of your you to I want you to close one of your eyes. I I already told you it's going to eyes. I I already told you it's going to eyes. I I already told you it's going to be weird. It's a safe place. be weird. It's a safe place. be weird. It's a safe place. Close one of your eyes. Okay. Now, I Close one of your eyes. Okay. Now, I Close one of your eyes. Okay. Now, I want you to take your hand and I want want you to take your hand and I want want you to take your hand and I want you to cover the eye that's open. Keep you to cover the eye that's open. Keep you to cover the eye that's open. Keep your other eyes closed.

Can you see me? Can you see me? No. No. Now, let me ask you a question. No. No. Now, let me ask you a question. No. No. Now, let me ask you a question. You can take your hand down now. Let me You can take your hand down now. Let me You can take your hand down now. Let me ask you a question cuz I don't know who ask you a question cuz I don't know who ask you a question cuz I don't know who who's sitting beside you. So, hurry up. who's sitting beside you. So, hurry up. who's sitting beside you. So, hurry up. Open your eyes. All right. Let me ask Open your eyes. All right. Let me ask Open your eyes. All right. Let me ask you a question. I'm 6'2, about 180 lbs. you a question. I'm 6'2, about 180 lbs. you a question. I'm 6'2, about 180 lbs. Is your hand bigger than me? Is your hand bigger than me? Is your hand bigger than me? Let me ask you another question. Is your Let me ask you another question. Is your Let me ask you another question. Is your problem bigger than God? problem bigger than God? problem bigger than God? >> Cuz cuz here's what's happening. Your >> Cuz cuz here's what's happening. Your >> Cuz cuz here's what's happening. Your hand isn't bigger than me, but what hand isn't bigger than me, but what hand isn't bigger than me, but what happens? Your hand is so close happens? Your hand is so close happens? Your hand is so close that it still blocks you from seeing me that it still blocks you from seeing me that it still blocks you from seeing me even though I'm bigger. even though I'm bigger. even though I'm bigger. This is what happens to all of us when all we can see in the heat of the when all we can see in the heat of the moment when we're under pressure is the moment when we're under pressure is the moment when we're under pressure is the thing that we're afraid of or the thing thing that we're afraid of or the thing thing that we're afraid of or the thing that we want. And in those moments what we see here is And in those moments what we see here is what Saul failed to do that we have to what Saul failed to do that we have to what Saul failed to do that we have to zoom out and we have to remember listen zoom out and we have to remember listen zoom out and we have to remember listen to me that your circumstance is not to me that your circumstance is not to me that your circumstance is not bigger than your God. Amen.

bigger than your God. Amen. bigger than your God. Amen. >> Your circumstances is not bigger than >> Your circumstances is not bigger than >> Your circumstances is not bigger than your God. Your problems are not bigger your God. Your problems are not bigger your God. Your problems are not bigger than God's promises. Your weaknesses are than God's promises. Your weaknesses are than God's promises. Your weaknesses are not bigger than God's power. And what not bigger than God's power. And what not bigger than God's power. And what happens is when we allow our happens is when we allow our happens is when we allow our circumstances, our desires, our fears to circumstances, our desires, our fears to circumstances, our desires, our fears to block our view of who God is, then we block our view of who God is, then we block our view of who God is, then we end up living like functional atheists. end up living like functional atheists. end up living like functional atheists. >> And our fear hijacks our faith. And we >> And our fear hijacks our faith. And we >> And our fear hijacks our faith. And we fail to see God for who he truly is and fail to see God for who he truly is and fail to see God for who he truly is and to trust him. When your fear hijacks your faith, you When your fear hijacks your faith, you take God out of the equation. But take God out of the equation. But take God out of the equation. But symptom number two, it causes you to symptom number two, it causes you to symptom number two, it causes you to rush ahead of God's timing. rush ahead of God's timing. rush ahead of God's timing. To rush ahead of God's timing. Back in To rush ahead of God's timing. Back in To rush ahead of God's timing. Back in chapter 10, God had given Saul clear chapter 10, God had given Saul clear chapter 10, God had given Saul clear instructions through the prophet Samuel. instructions through the prophet Samuel. instructions through the prophet Samuel. Uh Samuel told Saul to look out for Uh Samuel told Saul to look out for Uh Samuel told Saul to look out for three, you might remember this, he told three, you might remember this, he told three, you might remember this, he told him to look out for three specific signs him to look out for three specific signs him to look out for three specific signs from God to confirm the fact that God from God to confirm the fact that God from God to confirm the fact that God had chosen him to be king. And so in 1st had chosen him to be king. And so in 1st had chosen him to be king. And so in 1st Samuel 10:8, Samuel says this to Saul.

Samuel 10:8, Samuel says this to Saul. Samuel 10:8, Samuel says this to Saul. He says, "Then once you see those three He says, "Then once you see those three He says, "Then once you see those three signs, he says, go down before me to signs, he says, go down before me to signs, he says, go down before me to Gilgal, and behold, I am coming down to Gilgal, and behold, I am coming down to Gilgal, and behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt sacrifices and to you to offer burnt sacrifices and to you to offer burnt sacrifices and to sacrifice peace offerings. sacrifice peace offerings. sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait until I come Seven days you shall wait until I come Seven days you shall wait until I come to you and show you what you shall do. to you and show you what you shall do. to you and show you what you shall do. Now, did you notice that Samuel said, Now, did you notice that Samuel said, Now, did you notice that Samuel said, "Wait, and I'll show you what to do." "Wait, and I'll show you what to do." "Wait, and I'll show you what to do." You know what that means? It means God You know what that means? It means God You know what that means? It means God already knew the situation Saul would already knew the situation Saul would already knew the situation Saul would find himself in. And God had a plan. God find himself in. And God had a plan. God find himself in. And God had a plan. God had a plan. But instead of trusting God, had a plan. But instead of trusting God, had a plan. But instead of trusting God, Saul freaked out. So, 1st Samuel 13:8, Saul freaked out. So, 1st Samuel 13:8, Saul freaked out. So, 1st Samuel 13:8, he did wait for seven days. Let me pause he did wait for seven days. Let me pause he did wait for seven days. Let me pause there for a minute. He actually started there for a minute. He actually started there for a minute. He actually started to do what what God told him to do. And to do what what God told him to do. And to do what what God told him to do. And here's the thing, for so many of us, here's the thing, for so many of us, here's the thing, for so many of us, it's kind of easy to trust God in the it's kind of easy to trust God in the it's kind of easy to trust God in the beginning. It gets harder and harder to beginning. It gets harder and harder to beginning. It gets harder and harder to trust God the longer and longer we wait trust God the longer and longer we wait trust God the longer and longer we wait because your faith begins to drain. Your because your faith begins to drain. Your because your faith begins to drain. Your faith begins to to get weaker. You you faith begins to to get weaker. You you faith begins to to get weaker. You you feel like the window of opportunity is feel like the window of opportunity is feel like the window of opportunity is closing.

closing. closing. And this is what happens to Saul. He did And this is what happens to Saul. He did And this is what happens to Saul. He did wait for seven days, the time appointed wait for seven days, the time appointed wait for seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal Gilgal Gilgal and the people were scattering from him. and the people were scattering from him. and the people were scattering from him. And so Saul said, "Bring the burn burnt And so Saul said, "Bring the burn burnt And so Saul said, "Bring the burn burnt offering here to me and the peace offering here to me and the peace offering here to me and the peace offerings." And he decided to do it offerings." And he decided to do it offerings." And he decided to do it himself. Now, here's the the tragic himself. Now, here's the the tragic himself. Now, here's the the tragic thing. We already read this. It says thing. We already read this. It says thing. We already read this. It says that as soon as Saul did this, Samuel that as soon as Saul did this, Samuel that as soon as Saul did this, Samuel showed up. You know what that means? showed up. You know what that means? showed up. You know what that means? Most scholars agree Samuel did actually Most scholars agree Samuel did actually Most scholars agree Samuel did actually show up on the seventh day. show up on the seventh day. show up on the seventh day. And we don't know if it was an hour And we don't know if it was an hour And we don't know if it was an hour later or if it was one minute later, but later or if it was one minute later, but later or if it was one minute later, but it says as soon as Saul offered the it says as soon as Saul offered the it says as soon as Saul offered the burnt sack, as soon as he took matters burnt sack, as soon as he took matters burnt sack, as soon as he took matters into his own hands, he saw that God may into his own hands, he saw that God may into his own hands, he saw that God may not come when you want them, but like not come when you want them, but like not come when you want them, but like they used to say when I was growing up, they used to say when I was growing up, they used to say when I was growing up, but he's always on time. He saw that God but he's always on time. He saw that God but he's always on time. He saw that God actually did fulfill his promise through actually did fulfill his promise through actually did fulfill his promise through the prophet Samuel, but he could not the prophet Samuel, but he could not the prophet Samuel, but he could not wait. And not only did he disobey God's wait. And not only did he disobey God's wait. And not only did he disobey God's specific command to wait, but here's the specific command to wait, but here's the specific command to wait, but here's the core of the issue, he also assumed a core of the issue, he also assumed a core of the issue, he also assumed a level of authority that God had not level of authority that God had not level of authority that God had not given him.

given him. given him. Old Testament scholar Bill Arnold points Old Testament scholar Bill Arnold points Old Testament scholar Bill Arnold points this out. He says, "This episode this out. He says, "This episode this out. He says, "This episode illustrates the way Israelite kingship illustrates the way Israelite kingship illustrates the way Israelite kingship was intended to function." He says, "The was intended to function." He says, "The was intended to function." He says, "The king was not free to initiate warfare king was not free to initiate warfare king was not free to initiate warfare whenever and against whomever he wished. whenever and against whomever he wished. whenever and against whomever he wished. He had to answer to a higher authority. He had to answer to a higher authority. He had to answer to a higher authority. He could only receive marching orders He could only receive marching orders He could only receive marching orders from Yahweh and his prophet, in this from Yahweh and his prophet, in this from Yahweh and his prophet, in this case Samuel. Saul did not have the case Samuel. Saul did not have the case Samuel. Saul did not have the authority as king authority as king authority as king to just declare or initiate war on his to just declare or initiate war on his to just declare or initiate war on his own. own. own. That was not an authority that God gave That was not an authority that God gave That was not an authority that God gave him. God was was the one who had to do him. God was was the one who had to do him. God was was the one who had to do that. And there was a process through that. And there was a process through that. And there was a process through his prophets. So the authority that Saul his prophets. So the authority that Saul his prophets. So the authority that Saul had was a limited authority under the had was a limited authority under the had was a limited authority under the ultimate authority of God himself. And ultimate authority of God himself. And ultimate authority of God himself. And so here's what happened. Let me make so here's what happened. Let me make so here's what happened. Let me make this practical and applicable to us. this practical and applicable to us. this practical and applicable to us. Here's what happens. In essence, Saul Here's what happens. In essence, Saul Here's what happens. In essence, Saul makes a decision. Here's the decision. makes a decision. Here's the decision. makes a decision. Here's the decision. Saul says, "I'm not willing to live Saul says, "I'm not willing to live Saul says, "I'm not willing to live within God's limitations.

I'm just no longer willing to live I'm just no longer willing to live within God's limitations." It's the within God's limitations." It's the within God's limitations." It's the opposite of Psalm 16. uh uh Psalm 16. opposite of Psalm 16. uh uh Psalm 16. opposite of Psalm 16. uh uh Psalm 16. Saul says, "The lines have not fallen to Saul says, "The lines have not fallen to Saul says, "The lines have not fallen to me in pleasant places. I'm not content me in pleasant places. I'm not content me in pleasant places. I'm not content to trust God within the boundaries that to trust God within the boundaries that to trust God within the boundaries that God has placed in my life. I I'm not God has placed in my life. I I'm not God has placed in my life. I I'm not waiting. I don't have time to wait on waiting. I don't have time to wait on waiting. I don't have time to wait on God's timing." God's timing." God's timing." >> He says, "I know what God said, but what >> He says, "I know what God said, but what >> He says, "I know what God said, but what does God expect me to do? I didn't put does God expect me to do? I didn't put does God expect me to do? I didn't put myself in this situation. God, you myself in this situation. God, you myself in this situation. God, you allowed me to be in this situation. God, allowed me to be in this situation. God, allowed me to be in this situation. God, you you know how you made me. You know you you know how you made me. You know you you know how you made me. You know the desires that I have. You know the the desires that I have. You know the the desires that I have. You know the trauma that I've been through. You know trauma that I've been through. You know trauma that I've been through. You know the situation that's facing me. I didn't the situation that's facing me. I didn't the situation that's facing me. I didn't put myself here. So God, what do you put myself here. So God, what do you put myself here. So God, what do you expect me to do? What do you expect me expect me to do? What do you expect me expect me to do? What do you expect me to do? Just live the rest of my life to do? Just live the rest of my life to do? Just live the rest of my life without marriage and sexual fulfillment? >> You can kind of hear this in your own >> You can kind of hear this in your own heart. God, what do you expect me to do? heart. God, what do you expect me to do? heart. God, what do you expect me to do? just keep missing out on what all my just keep missing out on what all my just keep missing out on what all my friends are doing?

friends are doing? friends are doing? What do you expect me to do? Just keep What do you expect me to do? Just keep What do you expect me to do? Just keep struggling to make ends meet or keep struggling to make ends meet or keep struggling to make ends meet or keep watching all these people get promoted watching all these people get promoted watching all these people get promoted around me while I wait on God? around me while I wait on God? around me while I wait on God? God, what do you expect me to do? God, what do you expect me to do? God, what do you expect me to do? When fear hijacks your faith, it causes When fear hijacks your faith, it causes When fear hijacks your faith, it causes you to take God out of the equation and you to take God out of the equation and you to take God out of the equation and it causes you to rush ahead of God's it causes you to rush ahead of God's it causes you to rush ahead of God's timing and take matters into your own timing and take matters into your own timing and take matters into your own hands. hands. hands. Which leads to this last and most tragic Which leads to this last and most tragic Which leads to this last and most tragic symptom. It causes you to ignore God's symptom. It causes you to ignore God's symptom. It causes you to ignore God's clear warnings. That's what Saul did. You rewind to That's what Saul did. You rewind to chapter 12 and we we studied this chapter 12 and we we studied this chapter 12 and we we studied this together last Sunday. Shortly after Saul together last Sunday. Shortly after Saul together last Sunday. Shortly after Saul became king, God had given his people a became king, God had given his people a became king, God had given his people a very clear warning. Look at 1st Samuel very clear warning. Look at 1st Samuel very clear warning. Look at 1st Samuel 12:14. God said this through the prophet 12:14. God said this through the prophet 12:14. God said this through the prophet Samuel. If you will fear the Lord and Samuel. If you will fear the Lord and Samuel. If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not serve him and obey his voice and not serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the rebel against the commandment of the rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who Lord, and if both you and the king who Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord reigns over you will follow the Lord reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you your God, it will be well. But if you your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but will not obey the voice of the Lord, but will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the rebel against the commandment of the rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.

against you and your king. against you and your king. God had given his people, including King God had given his people, including King God had given his people, including King Saul, a very clear warning. Saul, a very clear warning. Saul, a very clear warning. And this is why Samuel says what he says And this is why Samuel says what he says And this is why Samuel says what he says when he confronted Saul. 1st Samuel when he confronted Saul. 1st Samuel when he confronted Saul. 1st Samuel chapter 13:3, Samuel said to Saul, "You chapter 13:3, Samuel said to Saul, "You chapter 13:3, Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. have done foolishly. have done foolishly. You have not kept the commands of the You have not kept the commands of the You have not kept the commands of the Lord your God with which he commanded Lord your God with which he commanded Lord your God with which he commanded you. And this is the saddest part of the you. And this is the saddest part of the you. And this is the saddest part of the story here. Listen to what Samuel says story here. Listen to what Samuel says story here. Listen to what Samuel says and what God is saying through Samuel. and what God is saying through Samuel. and what God is saying through Samuel. For then the Lord would have established For then the Lord would have established For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. your kingdom over Israel forever. your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. But now your kingdom shall not continue. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his The Lord has sought out a man after his The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. We know that would later be own heart. We know that would later be own heart. We know that would later be King David. And the Lord has commanded King David. And the Lord has commanded King David. And the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people because him to be prince over his people because him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the Lord you have not kept what the Lord you have not kept what the Lord commanded you. commanded you. commanded you. Man, this is tra This is the beginning Man, this is tra This is the beginning Man, this is tra This is the beginning of the end for King Saul. It's tragic. of the end for King Saul. It's tragic. of the end for King Saul. It's tragic. God had warned him, don't go in this God had warned him, don't go in this God had warned him, don't go in this direction.

But under pressure, he decided he knew But under pressure, he decided he knew better than God. better than God. better than God. He ignored God's warning. And we ignore He ignored God's warning. And we ignore He ignored God's warning. And we ignore God's warnings all the time. God's God's warnings all the time. God's God's warnings all the time. God's warnings that come so clearly through warnings that come so clearly through warnings that come so clearly through scripture over and over again. God's scripture over and over again. God's scripture over and over again. God's warnings that come through people around warnings that come through people around warnings that come through people around us who love us enough to tell us the us who love us enough to tell us the us who love us enough to tell us the truth. truth. truth. Even God's warnings that that we just Even God's warnings that that we just Even God's warnings that that we just sense in our conscience or in our gut. sense in our conscience or in our gut. sense in our conscience or in our gut. We sense God clearly warning us, "Hey, We sense God clearly warning us, "Hey, We sense God clearly warning us, "Hey, don't go that route. Don't pursue that don't go that route. Don't pursue that don't go that route. Don't pursue that sin. Don't make that foolish decision. sin. Don't make that foolish decision. sin. Don't make that foolish decision. But under pressure, But under pressure, But under pressure, under pressure, under pressure, under pressure, we ignore God's warnings and we make the we ignore God's warnings and we make the we ignore God's warnings and we make the decision anyway. And the question is, decision anyway. And the question is, decision anyway. And the question is, man, why why do we ignore God's warning? man, why why do we ignore God's warning? man, why why do we ignore God's warning? Because we're not far from Saul in this. Because we're not far from Saul in this. Because we're not far from Saul in this. And I think we ignore God's warnings And I think we ignore God's warnings And I think we ignore God's warnings because in that moment, listen to me. In because in that moment, listen to me. In because in that moment, listen to me. In that moment, we think the benefits of that moment, we think the benefits of that moment, we think the benefits of our sin or the benefits of that our sin or the benefits of that our sin or the benefits of that short-term decision, the benefits of short-term decision, the benefits of short-term decision, the benefits of taking matters into our own hands, we taking matters into our own hands, we taking matters into our own hands, we think the benefits outweigh the think the benefits outweigh the think the benefits outweigh the potential consequences.

potential consequences. potential consequences. Because deep down, we're asking Because deep down, we're asking Because deep down, we're asking ourselves the wrong question. ourselves the wrong question. ourselves the wrong question. But it feels like the most pressing But it feels like the most pressing But it feels like the most pressing question. question. question. Deep down, we're asking ourselves, "What Deep down, we're asking ourselves, "What Deep down, we're asking ourselves, "What will I miss out on if I don't take will I miss out on if I don't take will I miss out on if I don't take matters into my own hands?" Because God, you're not coming through. Because God, you're not coming through. And I've been praying and I've been trying to be faithful. and I've been trying to be faithful. And so, you begin to look out and the And so, you begin to look out and the And so, you begin to look out and the outlook for your life or that situation outlook for your life or that situation outlook for your life or that situation looks pretty bleak. And you ask looks pretty bleak. And you ask looks pretty bleak. And you ask yourself, what will I miss out on if I yourself, what will I miss out on if I yourself, what will I miss out on if I don't take matters into my own hands? don't take matters into my own hands? don't take matters into my own hands? But as we read Saul's story, we realize But as we read Saul's story, we realize But as we read Saul's story, we realize the question we should actually be the question we should actually be the question we should actually be asking is, what will I miss out on if I asking is, what will I miss out on if I asking is, what will I miss out on if I do take matters into my own hands? >> What What will I miss out on if I do it >> What What will I miss out on if I do it my way instead of being patient and my way instead of being patient and my way instead of being patient and doing it God's way? Because the enemy doing it God's way? Because the enemy doing it God's way? Because the enemy will will get you to ask the wrong will will get you to ask the wrong will will get you to ask the wrong question.

question. question. and allow the wrong question to drive and allow the wrong question to drive and allow the wrong question to drive your decisions. You should be asking, your decisions. You should be asking, your decisions. You should be asking, "What will I miss out on if I disobey "What will I miss out on if I disobey "What will I miss out on if I disobey God? What what will I miss out on if I God? What what will I miss out on if I God? What what will I miss out on if I ignore God's warning and God's wisdom? ignore God's warning and God's wisdom? ignore God's warning and God's wisdom? What will I miss out on?" And here's the What will I miss out on?" And here's the What will I miss out on?" And here's the scary thing. I think this is one of the scary thing. I think this is one of the scary thing. I think this is one of the scariest things in scripture. The scariest things in scripture. The scariest things in scripture. The reality of the matter is you don't know reality of the matter is you don't know reality of the matter is you don't know what you'll miss out on. And this why it takes faith not just to And this why it takes faith not just to believe God's promises but to believe believe God's promises but to believe believe God's promises but to believe God's warnings because his warnings are God's warnings because his warnings are God's warnings because his warnings are promises. >> You don't know what you will miss out. >> You don't know what you will miss out. You may try to calculate the opportunity You may try to calculate the opportunity You may try to calculate the opportunity cost and try to weigh and see if your cost and try to weigh and see if your cost and try to weigh and see if your sin or foolish decision is worth it. And sin or foolish decision is worth it. And sin or foolish decision is worth it. And you you may know, well, I risk losing my you you may know, well, I risk losing my you you may know, well, I risk losing my family or losing my relationship with my family or losing my relationship with my family or losing my relationship with my kids or or or or getting myself in a bad kids or or or or getting myself in a bad kids or or or or getting myself in a bad financial situation. You may be able to financial situation. You may be able to financial situation. You may be able to calculate some of what you'll miss out calculate some of what you'll miss out calculate some of what you'll miss out on. But listen to me from experience and on. But listen to me from experience and on. But listen to me from experience and from scripture. You do not know what you from scripture. You do not know what you from scripture. You do not know what you will ultimately miss out on because sin will ultimately miss out on because sin will ultimately miss out on because sin will take you farther than you want to will take you farther than you want to will take you farther than you want to go. And the consequences are often go. And the consequences are often go. And the consequences are often different and much more profound and different and much more profound and different and much more profound and painful than you anticipated.

And the reality is, if we're honest, And the reality is, if we're honest, most of us don't really believe that God most of us don't really believe that God most of us don't really believe that God is going to follow through on his is going to follow through on his is going to follow through on his warnings. There is no real fear of God. We just don't believe he's really going We just don't believe he's really going to follow through on his warnings. And to follow through on his warnings. And to follow through on his warnings. And the problem with that, the tragedy in the problem with that, the tragedy in the problem with that, the tragedy in that is that like Saul, many of us will that is that like Saul, many of us will that is that like Saul, many of us will learn the hard way. learn the hard way. learn the hard way. Because listen to what God says. Psalm Because listen to what God says. Psalm Because listen to what God says. Psalm 50:16. But to the wicked, God says, 50:16. But to the wicked, God says, 50:16. But to the wicked, God says, "What right have you to recite my "What right have you to recite my "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your statutes or take my covenant on your statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you lips? For you hate discipline, and you lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you." Verse 21, cast my words behind you." Verse 21, cast my words behind you." Verse 21, "These things you have done, and I have "These things you have done, and I have "These things you have done, and I have been silent." been silent." been silent." And he says, "And you misinterpreted my And he says, "And you misinterpreted my And he says, "And you misinterpreted my silence. You misinterpreted my patience. silence. You misinterpreted my patience. silence. You misinterpreted my patience. You thought that I was one like You thought that I was one like You thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and laid yourself. But now I rebuke you and laid yourself. But now I rebuke you and laid the charge before you. Now you crossed a the charge before you. Now you crossed a the charge before you. Now you crossed a line. You didn't even know where the line. You didn't even know where the line. You didn't even know where the line was. You just presumed upon my line was. You just presumed upon my line was. You just presumed upon my grace and you presumed upon my mercy and grace and you presumed upon my mercy and grace and you presumed upon my mercy and you ignored my warnings and now now I you ignored my warnings and now now I you ignored my warnings and now now I lay the charge before you.

lay the charge before you. lay the charge before you. We see the same thing in the New We see the same thing in the New We see the same thing in the New Testament. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not Testament. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not Testament. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived. be deceived. be deceived. God is not mocked. God is not mocked. God is not mocked. For whatever one sows, that will he also For whatever one sows, that will he also For whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sws to his own reap. For the one who sws to his own reap. For the one who sws to his own flesh will from the flesh reap flesh will from the flesh reap flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. The one who sws to the corruption. The one who sws to the corruption. The one who sws to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal spirit will from the spirit reap eternal spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life. And God is so loving and God is so life. And God is so loving and God is so life. And God is so loving and God is so merciful that God will warn us. He will merciful that God will warn us. He will merciful that God will warn us. He will get our attention. He will warn us get our attention. He will warn us get our attention. He will warn us through his word and through God's through his word and through God's through his word and through God's people and even in our conscience. He people and even in our conscience. He people and even in our conscience. He will warn us, do not go in that will warn us, do not go in that will warn us, do not go in that direction. direction. direction. Don't make that decision. Don't continue Don't make that decision. Don't continue Don't make that decision. Don't continue to make that decision to make that decision to make that decision because he doesn't want us to experience because he doesn't want us to experience because he doesn't want us to experience the painful consequences the painful consequences the painful consequences of sin and foolishness. Now, some of us hear this Now, some of us hear this and there's an even more painful and there's an even more painful and there's an even more painful question that some of us are carrying question that some of us are carrying question that some of us are carrying and that is that's great, and that is that's great, and that is that's great, but what if I already blew it?

but what if I already blew it? but what if I already blew it? Like, I'm not sitting in a hypothetical Like, I'm not sitting in a hypothetical Like, I'm not sitting in a hypothetical situation. situation. situation. like I'm I'm sitting in the consequences like I'm I'm sitting in the consequences like I'm I'm sitting in the consequences of choices and decisions that I made and of choices and decisions that I made and of choices and decisions that I made and the regret and the shame the regret and the shame the regret and the shame and the fallout that those decisions and the fallout that those decisions and the fallout that those decisions caused. caused. caused. Here's a question that we wrestle with Here's a question that we wrestle with Here's a question that we wrestle with when we read something like what when we read something like what when we read something like what happened to King Saul. We ask ourselves, happened to King Saul. We ask ourselves, happened to King Saul. We ask ourselves, did I forfeit God's purposes in my life? Am I locked out of God's will for my Am I locked out of God's will for my life? Am I Am I forever locked into like life? Am I Am I forever locked into like life? Am I Am I forever locked into like an inferior like second best? an inferior like second best? an inferior like second best? We struggle with that. And our sin does have real consequences. And our sin does have real consequences. You see that in Saul's life. And it's You see that in Saul's life. And it's You see that in Saul's life. And it's important to make a distinction between important to make a distinction between important to make a distinction between God's sovereign plan and our God's sovereign plan and our God's sovereign plan and our participation in that plan. God's plans participation in that plan. God's plans participation in that plan. God's plans didn't change here. He'd always planned didn't change here. He'd always planned didn't change here. He'd always planned to raise up a messiah through uh the to raise up a messiah through uh the to raise up a messiah through uh the line of King David. And ultimately, we line of King David. And ultimately, we line of King David. And ultimately, we know uh later he fulfills that plan. But know uh later he fulfills that plan. But know uh later he fulfills that plan. But Saul had a choice about how he would Saul had a choice about how he would Saul had a choice about how he would participate in that plan. And his sinful participate in that plan. And his sinful participate in that plan. And his sinful choice had real consequences. So yes, choice had real consequences. So yes, choice had real consequences. So yes, our sin has real consequences. I don't our sin has real consequences. I don't our sin has real consequences. I don't want to sugarcoat that. But the good want to sugarcoat that. But the good want to sugarcoat that. But the good news is that our sin does not have to be news is that our sin does not have to be news is that our sin does not have to be the end of our story.

the end of our story. the end of our story. >> And so I want to lead I want to minister >> And so I want to lead I want to minister >> And so I want to lead I want to minister to you. You're feeling this. Your sin to you. You're feeling this. Your sin to you. You're feeling this. Your sin does not have to be the end of your does not have to be the end of your does not have to be the end of your story. story. story. Because the same God who warns us away Because the same God who warns us away Because the same God who warns us away from sin is the same God who invites us from sin is the same God who invites us from sin is the same God who invites us to repent from sin, to repent from sin, to repent from sin, >> to turn, to make a Uturn. And that's the >> to turn, to make a Uturn. And that's the >> to turn, to make a Uturn. And that's the ultimate tragedy in Saul's story. ultimate tragedy in Saul's story. ultimate tragedy in Saul's story. There's no acknowledgment of his sin. There's no acknowledgment of his sin. There's no acknowledgment of his sin. There's no repentance. That's the There's no repentance. That's the There's no repentance. That's the difference between him and King David, difference between him and King David, difference between him and King David, who is called a man after God's own who is called a man after God's own who is called a man after God's own heart. Both of them sinned. Both of them heart. Both of them sinned. Both of them heart. Both of them sinned. Both of them experienced tragic consequences, but experienced tragic consequences, but experienced tragic consequences, but David humbled himself before God while David humbled himself before God while David humbled himself before God while Saul just defended himself and just Saul just defended himself and just Saul just defended himself and just doubled down. And so, listen to me. The doubled down. And so, listen to me. The doubled down. And so, listen to me. The question isn't whether or not we've question isn't whether or not we've question isn't whether or not we've failed. We have and we will. The failed. We have and we will. The failed. We have and we will. The question is, will we respond like Saul question is, will we respond like Saul question is, will we respond like Saul or will we humble ourselves before God or will we humble ourselves before God or will we humble ourselves before God and invite him to use even our regrets and invite him to use even our regrets and invite him to use even our regrets for his glory?

Because you have not outsinned God's Because you have not outsinned God's grace. grace. grace. >> You have breath in your lungs. >> You have breath in your lungs. >> You have breath in your lungs. You have the opportunity to make a Uturn You have the opportunity to make a Uturn You have the opportunity to make a Uturn and to experience the reality that God and to experience the reality that God and to experience the reality that God in his sovereignty is more powerful than in his sovereignty is more powerful than in his sovereignty is more powerful than even your sin. that God has a way that even your sin. that God has a way that even your sin. that God has a way that we can't fully explain or understand of we can't fully explain or understand of we can't fully explain or understand of taking even the broken pieces of your taking even the broken pieces of your taking even the broken pieces of your life and redeeming them into something life and redeeming them into something life and redeeming them into something good and something beautiful and good and something beautiful and good and something beautiful and something that showcases his mercy and something that showcases his mercy and something that showcases his mercy and his glory and his grace. And so it is his glory and his grace. And so it is his glory and his grace. And so it is not too late for you. And here's the reality. This is true for And here's the reality. This is true for all of us. All of us are like Saul. All all of us. All of us are like Saul. All all of us. All of us are like Saul. All of us struggle to trust God, to wait on of us struggle to trust God, to wait on of us struggle to trust God, to wait on his timing, to obey him when everything his timing, to obey him when everything his timing, to obey him when everything in us and everything around us is in us and everything around us is in us and everything around us is telling us take matters into your own telling us take matters into your own telling us take matters into your own hands. hands. hands. It's the amydala haja.

It's the amydala haja. It's the amydala haja. All of us struggle and we will. And the All of us struggle and we will. And the All of us struggle and we will. And the question is in that moment, all right, question is in that moment, all right, question is in that moment, all right, we know what it feels like. We know the we know what it feels like. We know the we know what it feels like. We know the symptoms and the consequences, but how symptoms and the consequences, but how symptoms and the consequences, but how do we how do we break out of it? Well, do we how do we break out of it? Well, do we how do we break out of it? Well, we'll land with this. we'll land with this. we'll land with this. Some of you remember this story. On Some of you remember this story. On Some of you remember this story. On January 15th, 2009, January 15th, 2009, January 15th, 2009, shortly after departing from LaGuardia shortly after departing from LaGuardia shortly after departing from LaGuardia Airport, US Airways Flight 1549 struck a Airport, US Airways Flight 1549 struck a Airport, US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of birds and it disabled both flock of birds and it disabled both flock of birds and it disabled both engines. engines. engines. That would be considered a problem. That would be considered a problem. That would be considered a problem. So, imagine yourself in that situation. So, imagine yourself in that situation. So, imagine yourself in that situation. You're the pilot. You're flying this You're the pilot. You're flying this You're the pilot. You're flying this plane. plane. plane. Both engines are out. Both engines are out. Both engines are out. I'mma tell you right now, I have just I'mma tell you right now, I have just I'mma tell you right now, I have just been in that joint just pushing all kind been in that joint just pushing all kind been in that joint just pushing all kind of butts, pulling stuff, everything. I of butts, pulling stuff, everything. I of butts, pulling stuff, everything. I just been running up and down the aisle just been running up and down the aisle just been running up and down the aisle like, "Save yourselves." I just been like, "Save yourselves." I just been like, "Save yourselves." I just been freaking out. But US Airways Captain Chesley But US Airways Captain Chesley Selenberger, it's a movie 2016 called Selenberger, it's a movie 2016 called Selenberger, it's a movie 2016 called Sully about him and first officer Sully about him and first officer Sully about him and first officer Jeffrey Skyles, they assessed that they Jeffrey Skyles, they assessed that they Jeffrey Skyles, they assessed that they couldn't make it back to an airport. So couldn't make it back to an airport. So couldn't make it back to an airport. So they executed a controlled water landing they executed a controlled water landing they executed a controlled water landing on the Hudson River. Some of y'all on the Hudson River. Some of y'all on the Hudson River. Some of y'all remember this story.

remember this story. remember this story. Every passenger, every crew member Every passenger, every crew member Every passenger, every crew member survived and the event became known survived and the event became known survived and the event became known worldwide as the miracle on the Hudson. worldwide as the miracle on the Hudson. worldwide as the miracle on the Hudson. And when people asked him how he did it, And when people asked him how he did it, And when people asked him how he did it, in fact, he was interviewed on CBS News. in fact, he was interviewed on CBS News. in fact, he was interviewed on CBS News. Captain Sully said this. He said, "For Captain Sully said this. He said, "For Captain Sully said this. He said, "For 35 years, I've been making small regular 35 years, I've been making small regular 35 years, I've been making small regular deposits in this bank of experience, deposits in this bank of experience, deposits in this bank of experience, and on January 15th, the balance was and on January 15th, the balance was and on January 15th, the balance was sufficient, so I can make a very large sufficient, so I can make a very large sufficient, so I can make a very large withdrawal." withdrawal." withdrawal." In other words, he's saying under In other words, he's saying under In other words, he's saying under pressure, I was drawing from something pressure, I was drawing from something pressure, I was drawing from something that had built up before I was even in that had built up before I was even in that had built up before I was even in that situation. In other words, what that situation. In other words, what that situation. In other words, what he's saying is what what was it that he's saying is what what was it that he's saying is what what was it that enabled him to think clearly under enabled him to think clearly under enabled him to think clearly under extraordinary pressure? He had already extraordinary pressure? He had already extraordinary pressure? He had already learned to trust his training. learned to trust his training. learned to trust his training. He had already learned to trust what he He had already learned to trust what he He had already learned to trust what he knows knows knows in that moment instead of letting fear in that moment instead of letting fear in that moment instead of letting fear just hijack his brain. Listen to me. just hijack his brain. Listen to me. just hijack his brain. Listen to me. Some of you heard me quote uh quote this Some of you heard me quote uh quote this Some of you heard me quote uh quote this before. This is from the reformer and before. This is from the reformer and before. This is from the reformer and theologian Martin Luther. He says, "The theologian Martin Luther. He says, "The theologian Martin Luther. He says, "The sin underneath all of our sins is the sin underneath all of our sins is the sin underneath all of our sins is the lie of the serpent [music] that we lie of the serpent [music] that we lie of the serpent [music] that we cannot trust the love and grace of cannot trust the love and grace of cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and that we must take matters Christ and that we must take matters Christ and that we must take matters into our own hands."

into our own hands." into our own hands." That when we're under pressure, this is That when we're under pressure, this is That when we're under pressure, this is why we struggle to wait on God. Because why we struggle to wait on God. Because why we struggle to wait on God. Because when we're under pressure, we're not when we're under pressure, we're not when we're under pressure, we're not sure we can trust the love and grace of sure we can trust the love and grace of sure we can trust the love and grace of Christ. We're not sure we can trust the Christ. We're not sure we can trust the Christ. We're not sure we can trust the wisdom and the word of God. And so, so wisdom and the word of God. And so, so wisdom and the word of God. And so, so here's here's the thing. In that moment, here's here's the thing. In that moment, here's here's the thing. In that moment, we have to we have to reach down into we have to we have to reach down into we have to we have to reach down into what we already know about who God has what we already know about who God has what we already know about who God has revealed himself to be. We have to zoom revealed himself to be. We have to zoom revealed himself to be. We have to zoom out so that we're not just seeing our out so that we're not just seeing our out so that we're not just seeing our problem. We're not just seeing our fear, problem. We're not just seeing our fear, problem. We're not just seeing our fear, but we're seeing something bigger than but we're seeing something bigger than but we're seeing something bigger than our fears and our problems. our fears and our problems. our fears and our problems. And so, we look to Jesus. And so, we look to Jesus. And so, we look to Jesus. We look to Jesus because Saul took We look to Jesus because Saul took We look to Jesus because Saul took matters into his own hands, but Jesus matters into his own hands, but Jesus matters into his own hands, but Jesus refused to. refused to. refused to. Come on. Think about Jesus. Y'all think Come on. Think about Jesus. Y'all think Come on. Think about Jesus. Y'all think about his life and his ministry. When about his life and his ministry. When about his life and his ministry. When people wanted him to become king, what people wanted him to become king, what people wanted him to become king, what did he say? My hour has not yet come. did he say? My hour has not yet come. did he say? My hour has not yet come. It's not time. It's not time. It's not time. When his brothers pushed him to seize When his brothers pushed him to seize When his brothers pushed him to seize the moment, to flex his authority, go to the moment, to flex his authority, go to the moment, to flex his authority, go to Jerusalem and show everybody how Jerusalem and show everybody how Jerusalem and show everybody how powerful you are, he says, "My time has powerful you are, he says, "My time has powerful you are, he says, "My time has not yet come." Under all of that not yet come." Under all of that not yet come." Under all of that pressure, when the soldiers come to pressure, when the soldiers come to pressure, when the soldiers come to arrest him and and his boy Peter cuts arrest him and and his boy Peter cuts arrest him and and his boy Peter cuts off his ear, you remember what Jesus off his ear, you remember what Jesus off his ear, you remember what Jesus says? He says, "Don't you know I could says? He says, "Don't you know I could says? He says, "Don't you know I could call 12 legions of angels?"

call 12 legions of angels?" call 12 legions of angels?" But he says, "It's not time." And even on the cross when people are And even on the cross when people are mocking him, Jesus waited. He waited. Jesus waited. He waited. Saul could not trust God enough to wait. Saul could not trust God enough to wait. Saul could not trust God enough to wait. But Jesus trusted the father enough to But Jesus trusted the father enough to But Jesus trusted the father enough to wait. Even when waiting meant the cross. wait. Even when waiting meant the cross. wait. Even when waiting meant the cross. Even when waiting meant the cross. And Even when waiting meant the cross. And Even when waiting meant the cross. And why did he do that? Why did he wait even why did he do that? Why did he wait even why did he do that? Why did he wait even under pressure for you? under pressure for you? under pressure for you? For he waited? For he waited? For he waited? Because according to God's perfect will Because according to God's perfect will Because according to God's perfect will and perfect timing, he the eternal son and perfect timing, he the eternal son and perfect timing, he the eternal son of God had come to live a perfectly of God had come to live a perfectly of God had come to live a perfectly righteous life. righteous life. righteous life. And when the time had been fulfilled to And when the time had been fulfilled to And when the time had been fulfilled to to to go to the cross to die in our to to go to the cross to die in our to to go to the cross to die in our place for our sins, for our impatience, place for our sins, for our impatience, place for our sins, for our impatience, for our lack of trust in God, and he for our lack of trust in God, and he for our lack of trust in God, and he rose from the grave so that we could rose from the grave so that we could rose from the grave so that we could have eternal life and to demonstrate to have eternal life and to demonstrate to have eternal life and to demonstrate to us for all of eternity that he is us for all of eternity that he is us for all of eternity that he is actually worth the wait. He is actually worth the wait. He is actually worth the wait. He is trustworthy when we feel we're under trustworthy when we feel we're under trustworthy when we feel we're under pressure. And if God did not spare his pressure. And if God did not spare his pressure. And if God did not spare his own son, own son, own son, will he not also give us all things? We will he not also give us all things? We will he not also give us all things? We can trust him. And so here's what that can trust him. And so here's what that can trust him. And so here's what that means. What that means is that Jesus not means. What that means is that Jesus not means. What that means is that Jesus not only forgives us, but he identifies us only forgives us, but he identifies us only forgives us, but he identifies us and he joins us in the midst of our

and he joins us in the midst of our and he joins us in the midst of our struggle and in the midst of our struggle and in the midst of our struggle and in the midst of our waiting. And you have a high priest who waiting. And you have a high priest who waiting. And you have a high priest who knows what it feels like to wait. knows what it feels like to wait. knows what it feels like to wait. and he is with you right now to give you and he is with you right now to give you and he is with you right now to give you strength to help you see beyond your strength to help you see beyond your strength to help you see beyond your situation situation situation and to hold you down as you trust in him and to hold you down as you trust in him and to hold you down as you trust in him and [music] walk in faithfulness. And so and [music] walk in faithfulness. And so and [music] walk in faithfulness. And so I want to give you a moment just between I want to give you a moment just between I want to give you a moment just between you and God and we're going to put some you and God and we're going to put some you and God and we're going to put some questions up on the screen [music] and questions up on the screen [music] and questions up on the screen [music] and here wherever you're watching from at here wherever you're watching from at here wherever you're watching from at our different locations. I want you to our different locations. I want you to our different locations. I want you to just use these questions to just pray just use these questions to just pray just use these questions to just pray and just confess and spend time with God and just confess and spend time with God and just confess and spend time with God and then I or somebody at your location and then I or somebody at your location and then I or somebody at your location uh will take it from there. Take a uh will take it from there. Take a uh will take it from there. Take a minute between you and God.

Father, we thank you for your word. Father, we thank you for your word. It's a mirror that that shows us It's a mirror that that shows us It's a mirror that that shows us ourselves, but it's also a window, God, that shows but it's also a window, God, that shows us more of who you are and what you're us more of who you are and what you're us more of who you are and what you're like, like, like, your desires and intentions for us. And your desires and intentions for us. And your desires and intentions for us. And so, God, I pray I pray, God, that you so, God, I pray I pray, God, that you so, God, I pray I pray, God, that you would help us to turn from ourselves, would help us to turn from ourselves, would help us to turn from ourselves, from our sin, from our failure, from our from our sin, from our failure, from our from our sin, from our failure, from our fears, to turn to you, to look to you, fears, to turn to you, to look to you, fears, to turn to you, to look to you, to see you for all of who you are. Would to see you for all of who you are. Would to see you for all of who you are. Would you help us by your spirit to trust you? you help us by your spirit to trust you? you help us by your spirit to trust you? We pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.