Get more than you bargained for

1 Samuel 9

This chapter tells about when Samuel met Saul for the first time. Saul was informed Samuel was a prophet, a man of God, so Saul went to him to get some information. But, just like in these days, you can't expect something for nothing, so Saul considered what to give Samuel, a bit of a problem as he'd run out of suitable 'payment'. In the end, his servant managed to come up with something to give, so they set off to meet Samuel. Reading this story, it just struck me that Saul went to meet a man of God worrying about what to give. He wanted something from Samuel and wondered how he could pay him. This is what we experience in this world isn't it? if we want something we have to pay for it. 

The beautiful thing about this situation is that Samuel, the man of God, had himself been out preparing for Saul's arrival! 

God had informed Samuel who was going to show up, so he was preparing to meet Saul in style and give him much more than he expected! Samuel saved the best meat, prepared somewhere for Saul to stay as as well as answering Saul's concerned mind. Isn't it awesome how God does that?! Saul got much more than he bargained for; His worries were relieved, he was catered for, honoured and anointed. 

What an incredible experience meeting 'the man of God' was for Saul. He left Samuel with a sense of identity, assurance and hope, when he'd gone with just one question. 

That's how it is when we go to God. There's not a lot we can give God in terms of 'payment', but when we do go to God with the things we are worried about, He gives us back more than we bargained for. He doesn't always give us what we want, but He certainly gives us what we need. He may even change our direction and call us into new adventures like Saul - there's no way his eyes were set on becoming king! God gives us more than we bargain for when we ask him to relieve our concerned minds.

Now, if you are a man or woman of God, imagine if people came to us, like Saul went to Samuel, with a need or worry, and left feeling relieved, honoured and hopeful. What a great demonstration that would be of the love of God! Wouldn't it be wonderful if those who come to us get more than they bargained for!