God's way or man's way?

And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. – I Samuel 9v2

If anyone could lead Israel as their first king it would seemingly be Saul. His dad was Kish, a ‘mighty man of power’ from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul himself was a ‘choice young man.’ He was the best looking guy around. He was literally head and shoulders above the rest of the people. Sure, he was from smallest tribe in the nation, but other than that he looked like the obvious choice.

Sure enough, after some initial reluctance Saul accepted his God anointed and appointed role. He was God’s chosen man to be the king that the people had demanded. God changed his heart and his outlook to make him king.

So it all seemed sorted. Who could have foreseen the tragedy that was to come later?

I think there is a lesson for use here. A good start is no guarantee of a good finish. Saul had it all going for him, but before too long he will fail.

The problem is that having a king was not God’s perfect plan for the nation. He allowed it because of the people’s insistence, but He knew it would cause problems. The people though they had what they wanted.

Obviously, I don’t understand all of this fully. But it makes me wonder how often God allows us to see the consequences of our own self will instead of enjoying the benefits that would come with accepting His perfect plan.