It's rather comical, to think that the one who would be the very first King of a nation, would be out chasing donkeys! But here he was, Saul, the son of Kish, out on a mission to find his father's missing donkeys. The journey takes him on and on throughout all the territory he has known, and leaves him pondering that if he goes any further his father will certainly be more concerned about his whereabouts instead of those rebellious run away beasts. Where on earth could they be?
So Saul, gets advice from his servant, that a man of God is in this very city where they are near and that everything he says comes true. Sounds like a good idea to Saul, but they have eaten all the bread, what can be brought as a present to this man? Fortunately, his servant had a quarter of a shekel and that would suffice for a gift. You certainly wouldn't want to go empty handed. So off they go toward the city, and walking up the hill to the city they get another tip from the young women drawing water, "Hurry up, go on into town, the prophet is ahead of you getting ready to prepare a sacrifice for the people."
Quickening their pace, who should be coming toward them that very moment? No one but Samuel the prophet himself! How did he know to greet Saul? One day previous, the Lord revealed His plan to Samuel . . . (I Samuel 9: 1-15).
This story is a reminder that all I need to do is the very ordinary. Even if it means running after escaped donkeys! Sometimes, we think we must to do some supernatural feats or amazing extraordinary things in order for God to notice us. Yet, time and time again, God meets us in the very mundane tasks and activities of our lives. He meets us in our territory, I don't have to go afar to find Him. I just need a willing open heart to pay attention to the encounters He puts before me. Saul had to listen to the advice of his servant, supported by the young women who happened along his way. And Samuel was already being prepared by God to solve Saul's dilemma plus so much more. He indeed would confirm Saul as Israel's very first King, or rather God's "prince over His people Israel to deliver His people from the Philistines," (I Samuel 9:16).
Yesterday, Gypsy Rose and I walked up the hill, entering the trail up the foothill, and there in the bushes ahead was that sly ol' coyote we saw the week before. Last time he sauntered up the embankment and slid under the retaining fence, but now he seemed interested to check us out, even though from a distance. "Get out of here!" came the cry of some neighbors talking together near by. I listened to their conversation as they confirmed that the coyotes have been more visible lately, even three of them coercing together and even acting much bolder. Hmm, I thought, do I want to risk coming upon a band of those creatures ahead, or should I decide that for today, it is better to turn around? I decided to head back down, and Gypsy didn't seem to mind. Lost in my thoughts, heading down the street, came the calling of my name, "Mary!" And who is in front of me, with his kids in the car? Metkha, my Egyptian angel!
Once again, his words to me were of encouragement and blessing, as he reminded me that he always looks for me on my walks! It was no accident that about one year ago, we happened to cross paths, and I was encouraged with his kindness, his evidence of God's goodness in his life and willingness to share that with me. Why, at one time he stopped his vehicle so I could meet his whole family. And yes, when I walk that path I often have been met with Metkha at that exact right time that I needed a word from God. Just like Saul, I am caught up in the ordinary task of walking my dog, and God has a word for me through His servant. I pondered that thought all the way home. God put that coyote before me, and that "stop sign" turned out to be confirmation that God hears me and is with me. Why? Because at the exact moment I was able to hear the encouraging words from my friend. I wasn't late to the encounter, God always is on time.
So, what's the final word? Sometimes, we have to chase after donkeys, and we may feel exhausted and wonder what's the use, as we may never will be able to find what we're missing. But don't give up, there's a purpose in the mundane and ordinary, God has a plan, He'll show up in least expected way. Just listen, Mary . . .
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