I Samuel 9 – Reading our Bibles last night, the family came across this verse: “And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.” (vs 3) It got me to thinking. I wonder what Saul was thinking. “Sure, Dad. No problem.” Off he and his servant went. Day one passed. Day two passed. On day three or four I imagine his thoughts were a lot like mine in such a situation. “Stupid asses. Don’t know their head from a hole in the ground. When I find them I’m going to give them a swift boot in the…” Yep, the frustrations of life. To make a long story full of like frustrating details short (v. 4-11), Saul learned from Samuel that the asses were found three days ago. (vs 20) But notice what is happening behind the scenes and is unknown to Saul. “Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.” (v. 15-16) Ain’t that something. While Saul thought he was just chasing three stupid donkeys half-way across Israel, he was really being directed by the hand of God to the prophet Samuel—to be Israel’s first anointed king.

Now, I’m not superstitious, nor do I think every flat tire I get is God’s directing hand. As the scripture says, “…time and chance happeneth to [us] all.” Yet I also believe, because God’s Word teaches me so, and what I find almost too wonderful to comprehend, is that God uses the circumstances of this life, both good and bad, even those that are discouraging, irritating, and frustrating, for my good and His glory. Praise the Lord Jesus. He is worthy, worthy, worthy.

By SWD, Warsaw Poland email swdalrosptl@gmail.com