Worth the Wait - Encouragement for Today - July 13, 2026
Worth the Wait
ANITHA ABRAHAM
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“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.’” 1 Samuel 13:13 (ESV)
As I walked through the hallway at work, the people in front of me sensed I was fast approaching. They stepped aside and said, “You look like you’re in a hurry, so we’ll get out of your way.”
With a smile, I replied, “Oh, I always look like that!”
I immediately realized how telling that statement was. This side of me has worked well in certain parts of my life. My work projects usually get done before the deadline. At church, I’m in the sanctuary early so I can claim my seat.
But there are other instances when that same sense of hurry gets the best of me. Instead of being present, I’m thinking ahead to the next thing. Impatience has resulted in rushed decision-making that would have benefited from more time and prayer.
In 1 Samuel 13, we see an example of the dire consequences of impatience. The Philistines were coming after Israel again, so King Saul and the people prepared for battle. First, however, a sacrifice had to be made by the prophet Samuel. Samuel had told Saul about these required burnt offerings and peace offerings when Saul was anointed to be king (1 Samuel 10:8).
Samuel said he would be there within seven days to make the offerings, but as the people waited, they panicked and started retreating. By day seven, King Saul couldn’t take it anymore. Instead of trusting and waiting, he reacted in fear, taking matters into his own hands by offering the sacrifice himself.
Saul knew better. All he had to do was not do anything. Yet as Samuel told Saul, “You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever” (1 Samuel 13:13). Now the kingdom would be taken from him.
A moment of haste led to an unfulfilled destiny.
I don’t want that for you or me.
Maybe you’re single and tired of waiting on Mr. Right, so you settle for Mr. Right Now, despite red flags. Or maybe you want a particular position, so in the name of hustle and ambition, you push your way to the top. Perhaps you need to have a tough conversation with a friend or family member, so you rush ahead instead of praying for wisdom and the right opportunity.
We can rationalize our impatience in our minds and justify it in our hearts. But often we force something now because we think our future is up to us.
I don’t want to miss out on what God has for me because I’m in a hurry. I don’t want to force something just because I think it will help God get me somewhere. He doesn’t need my help. He wants my obedience and trust.
God’s plan is definitely worth the wait.
Dear Father, forgive me for the times I’ve taken matters into my own hands. Give me faith to trust You more, no matter what’s happening around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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ENGAGE
To help you engage in God’s Word every day, pick up a copy of Quest for More: A One Year Devotional Through the Bible, co-written by today’s devotion writer, Anitha Abraham.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 37:34, “Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land …” (ESV).
Hebrews 10:36, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised” (NLT).
What’s one thing you can do to slow down and trust God when you start to feel impatient with His timing? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Anitha Abraham. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
