You Can Be Called and Still Collapse

Lessons from Saul in 1 Samuel

Saul didn’t start off as a villain.

In fact, when we first meet him in 1 Samuel 9, he looks like the kind of man you’d want as king. Tall. Handsome. Humble. He wasn’t chasing power. He was chasing donkeys.

But in 1 Samuel 10, everything changes. The prophet Samuel anoints him. The Spirit of God comes upon him. He even begins to prophesy.

"Is even Saul among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:12)

This question wasn’t just surprise. It was shade.

Because people remembered the old Saul. The unqualified one. The guy with no prophetic background. The one who seemed too ordinary to be chosen.

And let’s be real. That hits home.

A friend recently reminded me of my past. “Bro, I see what you on now but I remember the old you. When is he coming back?”

Same tone. Same disbelief.

But Jesus dealt with this too. "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his relatives." (Mark 6:4)

People will always struggle to accept your transformation when they’re still clinging to your history.

Hiding in the Baggage

Fast forward to Saul’s coronation in 1 Samuel 10:22. He knows he’s called. He’s been anointed. And yet?

"He is hiding among the baggage." (1 Samuel 10:22)

Saul didn’t feel ready. Maybe he didn’t feel worthy. Maybe he felt like an imposter.

I get that.

I’ve completed more than a few God-inspired projects. Music. Articles. Messages. But when it’s time to release them to the world? That’s where the real battle begins. It’s not the critics out there. It’s the voice inside.

And yet, God still called Saul forward. Ready or not.

Discipline isn’t about waiting to feel brave. It’s about moving anyway.

The Blacksmith Problem: Outsourcing Strength

There’s a fascinating detail in 1 Samuel 13:

"There were no blacksmiths in the land of Israel. The Israelites had to go to the Philistines to sharpen their tools." (1 Samuel 13:19-20)

On the day of battle, only Saul and Jonathan had swords. Everyone else was unarmed.

Why does this matter?

Because it shows what happens when you outsource your strength.

Israel depended on their enemies to prepare for war.

How often do we do the same? Relying on the world to validate us. Waiting for someone else to equip us. Hoping culture sharpens what only discipline can.

Disobedience weakens. Discipline sharpens.

If you don’t build your own spiritual blacksmith shop through prayer, Word, and obedience, you’ll always be unarmed when the battle comes.

Obedience is Better Than Talent

Saul had everything going for him:

• A prophetic anointing

• A changed heart

• A public calling

• People who believed in him

But he lacked one thing. Consistent obedience.

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul grows impatient and offers a sacrifice meant for Samuel. In 1 Samuel 15, he spares King Agag and the best livestock, directly disobeying God’s instructions.

When Samuel confronts him, Saul offers excuses. He blames the people. He spins half-obedience as faithfulness.

But Samuel doesn’t flinch.

"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)

You can’t barter with God. You can’t fake submission. You can’t remix the instructions and call it righteousness.

Discipline isn’t flashy. But it’s what sustains destiny.

The Fall of Saul: When Disobedience Becomes Your Brand

Saul started with humility. He ended with jealousy, fear, and paranoia.

Once the Spirit of the Lord left him (1 Samuel 16:14), he was never the same. The crown stayed on his head for a while, but the kingdom had already shifted.

David was next. Not because he was taller or richer or more impressive.

But because he was obedient.

Not perfect. But obedient.

God doesn’t demand perfection. But He does expect surrender.

Your calling may be public. But your discipline is always private.

Saul had the look. He had the title. He even had a moment where the Spirit moved powerfully.

But without discipline, it unraveled.

Don’t let that be your story.

If you’re still hiding in the baggage, step out. If you’re waiting for the critics to approve, stop. If you’re outsourcing your strength, start building your altar again.

God doesn’t bless performance. He blesses obedience. And that obedience starts now.

The crown doesn’t go to the most gifted. It goes to the most disciplined.

That’s it for today

keep JOY, stay Disciplined

P.S. I just released my first gospel hip-hop album. And to be honest, finishing it wasn’t the hardest part. Releasing it was.

It took prayer, obedience, and fighting off every voice telling me to hide in the baggage.

But I knew what God told me to do. So I released it. And in just a few days, I’ve heard from people saying it’s already helping them in their walk with God. That’s what matters.

Even if you don’t usually listen to rap, I’d love for you to pray with me that it lands where it’s supposed to.

Same message as my articles: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
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