Free Methodist Church Of Santa Barbara

The text we have before us this week reveals a disparity between what God wants and what His people Israel want. In Samuel's old age the elders of Israel demand a king to take Samuel's place, which would introduce a monarchy into Israel for the first time. God wants to be their king but Israel refuses this because they want to "be like other nations." God warns them of the dangers of having a king, but then ultimately relents and listens to their request. What happens when what God wants and what we want conflict? Do we recognize that God wants to walk with us through all of life and wants us to trust Him? Or do we forsake him and turn to other Gods, trusting in earthly power and security? What do we do when the life we have chosen for ourselves doesn't add up and isn't what we wanted?