When you see a problem, what is your first response? Do you try to solve the problem yourself, or do you call a professional? Do you pray for wisdom and guidance?
We often try everything before prayer even though it is the simplest action. If we think we can handle it, we don’t want anyone telling us what to do or how to do it. So it was in ancient Israel when the people recognized the real problem of corruption in high places. While their assessment of the problem was accurate, their response was wrong. Seeing that Samuel’s sons perverted judgment, they said that wanted a king instead like other nations. They were willing to give up freedom to be like everyone else.
In an almost surprising move, God gave them exactly what they wanted, but He had a plan. The king they received was a lesson in poor judgment and faithlessness. Saul led the people into a civil war of his own making and ultimately killed himself. King David then reigned in his stead, a man after God’s own heart. Imagine if the people had asked God for an answer to their problem in the beginning.
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