When someone gives you directions, are you the type of person who half-listens and assumes you’ll figure it out as you go? I often see people praying for answers, directions, help to get out of debt, relief from depression or even help in business.

And then this happens. God points them toward a person, a training, an opportunity where they can find the exact directions. They follow one or two of the steps and then they just kind of ignore the rest. Either they think they’ve “got it,” or they try to add a few steps in themselves or they still just wait around for an easier way.

But they keep praying for direction, for answers. Meanwhile they’re totally lost trying to wander around on their own and then they can’t figure out why they still can’t find success.

I want to talk with you about this today, because when you don’t follow directions not only will you never succeed, but it is an act of rebellion.

“Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, [e]as usual; and [f]a spear was in Saul’s hand.” (I Samuel 18:10)

Look at this… rebellion is seen as witchcraft! Saul stopped following God’s direction, he became rebellious. God sent him an evil spirit! And further in the story, He even turns His face from Saul.

How far are you going to take your rebellion? You might not even realize you’re doing it, but occasionally you have to stop and ask yourself if you are following His directions.

I want to recap the progression that lead to God turning away from Saul, I call it the recipe for failure.

1. Saul didn’t follow directions.
2. He lied.
3. When confronted, he continued to lie. As if God didn’t know the truth!
4. Saul blamed everyone else. Saul was a leader yet, when things went south, he blamed his people!
5. Saul gave a false apology. He repented and asked that God hide his sin in order to save face, so he wouldn’t look bad.

Would you want to be in Saul’s position? It’s funny reading these passages in Samuel because a lot of people don’t hear about this side of God. But He actually has the power to send evil spirits and false prophets.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to take my rebellion that far! If you’ve found yourself lost, it might be time to repent or ask if there’s some area in your life with rebellion. He will show you!

I know you may be lost today, I know you are in need of directions. Hopefully, this quick message helped to encourage you to look around for where you probably missed a step somewhere in your directions. Let me know your thoughts in the comments and be sure to Like and Share today’s post.

In great faith,