Vulnerable to Temptation

“When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him. . .Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’” 1 Samuel 28:5-7 NKJV

During an earlier time, Israel had been “dismayed and terrified” when confronted by the Philistine army. Yet, at that time, in spite of their fears, they remained true to God.

But later, Saul drifted away, and God rejected him as king. After this rejection, Israel once again was confronted by the Philistines. This time, Saul “inquired of the Lord,” but when God did not speak to him right away, he looked for another solution. This led him to the witch of Endor, something specifically disallowed by God. He had gone down the wrong path.

Like Saul, there may be times when God does not seem to answer our prayers. In these moments, we can be prone to look elsewhere for answers. Some Christians have been willing to embrace counterfeit practices and even alternative religions. These may produce answers, but they are not God’s answers.

If you need direction, make sure that you seek God and are sensitive to the leading of His Spirit. That you trust Him completely. That you are committed to the principles and truths found in His Word. If you don’t hear from Him instantly, He may be trying to warn you. Teach you. Refine you. But never weaken your commitment to Him.

The world offers alternatives that can seem attractive, that can seem “religious” or “spiritual.” Make sure you reject anything that takes you away from the purity of faith in God.
Always seek to obey God. And be on guard against deception, regardless of how attractive it might seem. Trust in Him with your whole heart!

Prayer: Father, help me recognize the counterfeits that are in the world. Help me remain pure and committed to Your Word. Deliver me from temptation. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.