When God’s Plan Finds You: Lessons from 1 Samuel 9

Life can feel like a constant balancing act—managing work, family, relationships, and everything in between. Sometimes it seems like we’re just trying to keep up, let alone figure out if we’re on the right track. But what if even the smallest parts of our daily routine—running errands, solving problems, or picking up the pieces—are all part of something much bigger?

1 Samuel 9 is the story of Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys. On the surface, it’s about a frustrating task, but beneath it lies a powerful message about God’s plan for our lives. Saul thought he was chasing donkeys, but God was guiding him toward his destiny as Israel’s first king. Let’s explore how this chapter applies to our lives and how God can use our ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary things.

God’s Guidance in the Everyday Moments

Saul’s story begins with what probably felt like an annoying chore. His father’s donkeys had wandered off, and he was sent to find them. He didn’t know where to start, but he set out with a servant, walking from town to town. What Saul didn’t realize was that this seemingly random errand was part of God’s divine plan. It led him directly to Samuel, who was waiting to anoint him as king.

Doesn’t that sound like life sometimes? We’re running around trying to handle our business—working that job, paying those bills, or just making it through the day—and it feels like we’re stuck in a loop. But what we can’t always see is how God is using those moments to guide us toward something greater. Proverbs 16:9 says,

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” 

Even when it feels like nothing is happening, God is moving behind the scenes. Think about the errands you run or the daily struggles you face. Maybe you’re frustrated at your current job or overwhelmed by family responsibilities. It might feel like you’re just going through the motions, but God doesn’t waste anything. Even in the small, repetitive tasks, He’s working to shape you, grow you, and position you for something bigger. The question is whether you’re willing to trust Him in the middle of it.

For me, this hits home when I think about how much time I’ve spent worrying about the “donkeys” in my life—things that seemed urgent or frustrating at the time. But looking back, I can see how God used those situations to teach me, prepare me, or even redirect me. He’s intentional like that. If Saul hadn’t been obedient in that simple task, he might have missed the bigger purpose.

Reflection: Are there moments in your life right now that feel ordinary or even frustrating? Could God be using them to lead you somewhere you never expected? Pray for the eyes to see His hand at work in the middle of your everyday life.

God Sees More in You Than You See in Yourself

When Saul finally meets Samuel, he’s told something shocking: God has chosen him to be king. Saul’s immediate reaction isn’t excitement—it’s disbelief. In 1 Samuel 9:21, he says,

“But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?” 

In other words, “Why me? I’m a nobody.” How often do we do the same thing? God calls us to something, and the first thing we think about is why we can’t do it. We feel like we’re too flawed, too ordinary, or just not enough. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call us because we’re perfect; He calls us because He’s perfect. He knows what He put inside of us, even if we don’t see it yet.

Saul’s doubt reminds me of how often I’ve wrestled with feelings of inadequacy. I’ve looked at the things God has asked me to do and thought, “Why me? Surely someone else is more qualified.” But then I’m reminded of scriptures like Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

That verse is not about being perfect; it’s about trusting God to fill in the gaps where we feel weak. God’s view of us is so much bigger than our view of ourselves. He knows every gift, every talent, and every potential that He placed inside of us. Even when we feel small or unworthy, He calls us higher. It’s not about where you come from or what you’ve done; it’s about what He’s going to do through you. Just as God saw Saul’s potential, He sees yours, too.

Reflection: Is there something God is calling you to do that feels too big or too far outside your comfort zone? Trust that if He’s calling you, He will equip you. Pray for courage to see yourself the way God sees you: chosen, capable, and full of potential.

Divine Appointments Happen When You Least Expect Them

Saul didn’t wake up that day expecting to meet Samuel or to be told he was going to be king. He thought he was just out looking for donkeys. But every step of his journey was divinely orchestrated. The timing of it all—the servant’s suggestion to see Samuel, Samuel’s foreknowledge of Saul’s arrival, even the loss of the donkeys—was part of God’s perfect plan.

This reminds me that God’s timing isn’t always our timing. Sometimes, we’re so focused on the task in front of us that we miss the bigger picture. But God’s plans are never random. He’s always aligning people, events, and circumstances to accomplish His purpose. Isaiah 55:8-9 says,

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”

In my own life, some of the most significant opportunities and relationships have come out of nowhere. I didn’t plan them, but they changed everything. That’s why it’s so important to stay open to what God is doing, even in the unexpected. You never know when you’re walking into a divine appointment.

Have you ever had a moment where something seemingly small led to a major breakthrough? Maybe it was a conversation with someone who opened a door for you or a random event that shifted your perspective. That’s the beauty of God’s divine appointments—they’re often disguised as ordinary moments.

Reflection: Are you open to the idea that God is working behind the scenes, even when it doesn’t make sense? Stay prayerful and trust Him to lead you, even when the path feels uncertain.

God Uses People to Guide and Affirm You

One thing I love about this story is how God used other people to help Saul along the way. First, there was Saul’s servant, who suggested they visit Samuel. Then, of course, there was Samuel himself, who confirmed God’s plan for Saul’s life. This shows us that God often speaks through others to guide us and affirm what He’s doing in our lives.

Think about the people in your life who have been there to encourage you, give you wisdom, or even push you when you needed it. They might not be prophets like Samuel, but God can use anyone—friends, family, mentors, even strangers—to help you see what He’s doing. Proverbs 11:14 says,

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Listening to godly advice isn’t always easy, especially when it challenges us to grow. But having people who love God and love you is one of the greatest blessings. They can see things you can’t see in yourself and remind you of God’s promises when you start to doubt.

Reflection: Who are the godly people in your life that might be helping you discern God’s will? Take time to thank them and pray for the humility to receive their guidance.

God’s Plan Is Bigger Than Your Current Goals

Saul was focused on finding donkeys, but God was preparing him to be king. How often do we get so caught up in our immediate goals that we lose sight of the bigger picture? Ephesians 3:20 reminds us,

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Sometimes, we get so focused on the problem in front of us that we forget to look up and see what God is doing around us. Saul thought he was solving a problem, but God was solving a much bigger one—giving Israel their first king. In the same way, God can use your current struggles, goals, or challenges to prepare you for something far beyond what you can imagine.

God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow. Sometimes, He uses the journey to prepare us for the destination. Like Saul, we have to be willing to walk the path, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Reflection: Are you willing to trust God’s bigger plan, even when it’s not clear? Ask Him to help you see beyond your current circumstances and give you faith to keep going.

Living Out the Lessons of 1 Samuel 9

Saul’s story reminds us that nothing in our lives is random. God is always guiding, preparing, and calling us, even in the ordinary moments. He sees our potential, arranges divine appointments, and uses the people around us to fulfill His purpose.

If you’re in a season of waiting or uncertainty, take heart. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, using every detail of your life to accomplish His greater plan. Like Saul, you may be surprised by where the journey leads—but one thing is certain: God’s purpose for you is always good.

Application Questions:

• Are you trusting God to guide you in the everyday moments of your life?

• Do you see yourself the way God sees you—chosen and full of potential?

• Are you open to unexpected opportunities and divine appointments?

• Who are the people in your life that God might be using to guide you?

• Are you willing to shift your focus from your immediate goals to the bigger picture?

Trust the process, and trust the God who holds the plan. He’s not finished with you yet.