(Reflections from 1 Samuel 12–17) Saul was only thirty years old when he became king. Just two years into his reign, he built an army for Israel. These details remind me that significance and self-worth are not confined to early success or youthful achievement. God can do a lot with very little. Two years is not enough time to be seasoned for war, and thirty is young to lead a nation. To put it into perspective, Saul was only three years older than I am now when he faced a ki

The following themes were noticeable to me in 1 Samuel 11–12: The Israelites, like us, retreated from God when fearful. Satan’s targeted attacks only prosper when we forget about our divine protection.  The Ammonites and Israelites had a hostile relationship, and the Ammonite king, Nahash, had the territory of Jabesh-Gilead surrounded. The people of Jabesh were prepared to surrender, offering to be his servants to prevent being conquered altogether. For context, the name "Nah

Hopelessness and Desolation The book of 1 Samuel opens with a story of faith lived out in the middle of insecurity. Hannah, a woman burdened by childlessness, embodied both sorrow and hope. “Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:10). Her pain was so visible that Eli, a priest, mistook her earnest prayer for drunkenness. But Hannah replied, “Oh no, sir! I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. I am very discouraged, and I