Faithful in Disappointment

Disappointment crashes over Samuel in waves. His sons have not followed in his faithful ways. The people ask for a king, and Samuel feels deeply rejected. Samuel anoints Israel’s first king, Saul, who soon disobeys the Lord, resulting in the loss of the kingdom (1 Samuel 13:14). Yet, in these deep disappointments, Samuel still listens to God. He still follows his directions. God calls Samuel out of his disappointment to look toward the future and anoint a new king (1 Samuel 16:1-4). Even though the people have been unfaithful, Samuel is faithful to pray for them and teach them God’s ways (1 Samuel 12:23).