When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. (1 Samuel 10:20 NIV, 12-31-12)

Faith.

Samuel knew Saul was to be king. He’d already anointed him.

But he wanted, needed, the people to know it was God’s choice, too. So he went through with the lot process, which would prove it was God’s choice, not his.

I wonder if he doubted. I wonder if he was nervous when the first lot was thrown. Or the second. Or the third.

Sometimes even when we are sure of God’s will, we have to wait while He speaks to others, as scary as that can be.

But it comes down to faith. For me, which do I trust more, my ability to change minds or God’s ability to change hearts?

[Father, help me to trust your ability to move in your people, with or without my help or manipulation.]