Exit, go away, leave, retreat, and withdraw are all words associated with depart. For the codependent, when an influential figure in your life abruptly disappears, finding a replacement takes time. After anointing Saul as King of Israel, an Old Testament prophet regrets his decision. Something happened to Saul between 1 Samuel 10:11 and 1 Samuel 15:11. If pride comes before the fall, self reliance led Saul to slowly depart from his faith.
He said to her, In what form is he? And she said, An old man comes up, covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and made obeisance, 1 Samuel 28:14.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates coined the expression “desperate times calls for desperate measures.” The exact quote can be found in the Amorphisms. Under the pressure of severe circumstances, certain decisions have to be made that may not be in the best interests of everyone involved. However, if a hardship or trial causes you to abandon God, you might want to think twice. Once you depart God, don’t be surprised if the Lord does the same.
And Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disturbed me to bring me up? Saul answered, I am bitterly distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do, 1 Samuel 28:15.
The Boy that Cried Wolf is one of Aesop’s Fables. This story illustrates what happens when you keep sounding a false alarm. When the wolf does come to attack, no one will come to your rescue. The same came be true about a relationship with God, Matthew 6:14-15. Therefore, the next time you have a feeling or urge to depart your faith, remember the pain of Saul so that you come back to God with attentive ears and an obedient heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 