In 1 Samuel chapters 13 & 14, we see a tale of two men. Chapter 13 describes the beginning of the downfall of King Saul. In this instance, his son, Jonathan, had scored a great victory over the mighty Philistine garrison. However, instead of letting all of Israel know who had achieved this great victory, Saul let it be known that he had taken out the Philistines.

Saul was a prideful, impatient, disobedient, and rebellious person. He went so far from God that he ended up nearly a madman, consulting a witch for advice. Where did it all start? When he was prideful. Pride leads to impatience, impatience leads to disobedience, and disobedience leads to deception.

Later, in chapter 13, we see how Saul’s impatience leads to his disobedience and rebellion against God. Instead of waiting for Samuel to offer the sacrifice, Saul did it himself. He later made excuses, blaming the people, and stating, “I forced myself to do it.”

Chapter 14 gives us a picture of a totally different man. Jonathan was a young man who trusted that God could do great things. Jonathan talks about God’s power – “…for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.” Later in verse 10, his confidence for battle is found in God’s deliverance: “…for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand.”

There are going to be many times in life when you don’t know what to do. If you will seek God’s wisdom, He will give it. Don’t be like Saul – deceptive, taking credit for other’s success, disobedient and rebellious. Instead, be like Jonathan and ask yourself – What can one person do, whose complete trust is in the Lord?