When King Saul was waiting on God, his military plans succeeded through God’s intervention. Saul’s bravery was not based on his own powers as a leader but in God’s power to rescue Israel. Courage that depends on God’s power brings about God’s plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
Just before this story, we see that Saul had hidden away when he heard he was to be Israel’s next king. But now in 1 Samuel 11, he seems fierce and ready to fight. If you look in 1 Samuel 11:5–6, you will find out what likely helped Saul find his courage and what job he was doing.
Imagine that Saul hired you to make posters for his soldier recruitment campaign. How would you put a positive spin on his threat to kill the oxen of anyone who refused to defend his countrymen? Think of a good slogan. For example: “Save the Oxen, Sign Up Now!”
Dear God, give me righteous courage—bravery that leans on Your might and not my own. May all my courageous acts be in service to You. Amen.