1 Samuel 13:8 (NKJV)
“Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.”

Sometimes, contrary to our desires and expectations, God delays His response to us, and this could be frustrating and frightening. We usually want God to answer us and visit us on our own terms, but this is not how the Lord works. The Lord, He is God, and He does all things in His own way and in His own time. We cannot force God’s agenda and timing.

Every true pilgrim must grow to accept this reality. We must recognize that our lives are not in our hands, and our timing is not ours. He knows what He is doing, how He wants to do it, and when he wants it done. There’s nothing wrong with having a plan with timelines, but let’s be flexible with our timings.

One of the biggest tests to our spirituality, happens when our plans are not accomplished at the times we want. How we react at such times reveals a whole lot about who we really are. Would we push through with our plans even when we know God has not endorsed them? Do we patiently seek His endorsement for our plans and projects?

The weakness of strong and intelligent pilgrims is that they can effectively execute their “God-honoring programs” even without God’s blessings. They can do great things for God and in His name, without God being present. Capacity is good but needs the restraint of God’s timing.

Saul knew he was to wait for Samuel, but when Samuel delayed, He went ahead to perform duties that were forbidden for him. Because he had the capacity and authority, he thought he could do it without any consequences. But he was very wrong. God was offended.

Be careful not to offend God by running ahead of Him. Be careful to grow the discipline of patience; to learn to wait for God’s timing. God never delays, and when He seems to delay, He is working out a plan that fits into His time and works for His glory.

Be bold. Be strong. Plan details. Press forward. But be flexible with all things. Hold them lightly. If you have an inner check, stop what you are doing, and wait for His green light. That’s true spirituality at work. Anything else will offend God.